



^£ r 'Vdv€fi* 



■ 



THE 



HISTORY 



FIRST CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN, 



IN NIKE LECTURES, WITH NOTES. 



BY WILLIAM I. BUDINGTON, 

PASTOR OF THE CHURCH. 



" God of our fathers ! while our ears 
Shall hear the chronicles of old — 
Thy wondrous deeds in ancient years, 

Which sires unto their sons have told ; — 
May we their spirit catch, and give 

Ourselves, anew, to Truth and Thee ; 
And, like those worthies, dare to live 
Freemeh in Christ, the only Free I " 



BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY CHARLES TAPPAN, 

1845. 



f: 



:c 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845, 

By William I. Budington, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



Press of T. R. Marvin. 









cf 4 - 



THIS VOLUME 

IS 

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 

TO THE 

FIRST CHURCH AND CONGREGATION IN CHARLESTON, 

BY THEIR 

FRIEND AND PASTOR, 

THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



The following Discourses were prepared in the ordi- 
nary course of my ministry, and delivered at a stated 
monthly lecture during the winter of 1842-3. It was 
originally my intention to condense the facts I had 
gathered, and publish them in a small manual ; but 
having delayed the execution of this purpose until the 
commencement of the present year, I felt unable to per- 
form the work of re-composition, and obliged to publish 
either what I had written or nothing. I have therefore 
revised my Lectures, and now publish them substantially 
as they were spoken, with a body of notes comprising 
the additional matter collected in the course of my 
investigations. I have enjoyed many pleasant hours, 
and been profited by many solemn reflections, while 
engaged in my historical studies, and feel that I have 
been repaid for my labor ; and if my book shall have a 
similar moral effect upon the people of my charge, and 
such others as shall honor it with a perusal, I shall be 
more than repaid. 

I shall always remember with pleasure the courtesy 
and kind assistance received from the various gentlemen 
whom I have consulted for information or advice. My 
grateful acknowledgments are due to all of them, and 



especially to Rev. William Jenks, D. D., and Rev. 

Samuel Sewall, as the subsequent pages will frequently 

show. 

It will be unnecessary for me here to enumerate the 
sources from whence my history is derived, as these will 
be sufficiently indicated in the course of the work ; it is 
with great pleasure, however, that I confess my obliga- 
tions to the Hon. James Savage, not only for his valuable 
illustrations of Winthrop, which have thrown so much 
light upon our early history, but also for the encouraging 
interest and assistance he has afforded me in my labors. 
I am also indebted to Richard Frothingham, Jr., Esq., 
for valuable information afforded by his minute acquaint- 
ance with the antiquities of the town ; and trust that he 
will be amply encouraged in the publication of his 
< History of Charlestown,' on which he is now engaged. 
The likeness of Rev. John Wilson, prefixed to the 
volume as a frontispiece, is an accurate copy of a portrait 
preserved in the Rooms of the Massachusetts Historical 

Society. . 

I have only to say in conclusion to those of my friends 
who have been looking for my volume for several months, 
that the delay has been unavoidable, and has arisen in 
part from the intrinsic difficulty of carrying a work of 
this character through the press, and in part from the 
pressure of other and more important duties. 



Charlestown, Dec. 8, 1845. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 
LECTURE 1 9 

Settlement of the Town — Organization of the Church of Boston and Charlestown — 
Formation of the Charlestown Church — Rev. Thomas James — The Puritans. 

LECTURE II. 31 

Original Members of the Church — Indians — Rev. Zechariah Symmes — Dismission 
of Mr. James — Synod of 1637 — Rev. John Harvard— Rev. Thomas Allen — Synod of 
1648 — Elder John Greene — Description of Charlestown. 

LECTURE III 54 

Rev. Thomas Shepard— The Baptists— Synod of 1662— The Half-way Covenant- 
Rev. John Oxenbridge — Mr. Symmes. 

LECTURE IV 71 

Mr. Shepard's Election Sermon — His death — Ecclesiastical Council — Rev. Thomas 
Shepard the third. 

LECTURE V. 89 

Synod of 1679-80 — Mr. Shepard's ministry and death — Rev. Charles Morton. 

LECTURE VI 106 

Mr. Morton's advice to Candidates for the Ministry — His death — Rev. Simon Brad- 
street — Rev. Joseph Stevens — Mrs. Anne Bradstreet. 

LECTURE VII 121 

Mr. Stevens's death — His character — Rev. Hull Abbot — Rev. Thomas Prentice- 
State of Religion — The Great Awakening. 

LECTURE VIII 136 

Mr. Abbot's Artillery Election Sermon — His death— Battle of Bunker Hill— Death 
of Mr. Prentice — Rev. Joshua Paine. 

LECTURE IX 150 

Rev. Dr. Morse — Unitarianism — Benefactors of the Church. 



NOTES 



Note 1. Arrival of Winthrop, ...... 


165 


" 2. Thomas Walford, ....... 


168 


" 3. Thomas Graves, ....... 


168 


" 4. Rev. Francis Bright, ...... 


170 


" 5. Town Records, ....... 


171 


" 6> Organization of the Church, ..... 


175 



Note 7. 



John Winlhrop, 

Thomas Dudley, 

John Wilson, 

William Blackstonc, . 

Inhabitants remaining in Charlestown, 

Mrs. Wilson, 

Old and New Style, . 

The Records and comparative age of the CI 

The New England Version of the Psalms, 

The Spirit of the Puritans, . 

Increase Nowcll, 

Capt. Richard Sprague, 

List of Deacons, 

Meeting House and Sabba' Day House, 

Thomas James, 

Thomas Allen, 

The Cambridge Platform, 

Thomas Allen's Letter respecting the early 

Origin of the Baptist Church, 

Old South Church, . 

Francis Willoughby, 

Mr. Symmes, 

Daniel Russell, 

Seating the Meeting House, 

Toleration, 

Epitaph of Thomas Shepard, 

Oakes's Elegy, 

Letter of Hon. J Q. Adams, 

Letter to the Old South Church, 

Shepard's Manuscripts, 

Horsey 's Letter, 

Morton's Publications, 

Mode of calling and settling Ministers, 

Morton's Latin Epitaph, 

Charlestown Lecture, 

Stevens's Private Records, . 

Settlement of Mr. Prentice, . 

The Earthquake, 

Abbot's Family, 

Abbot's Publications, 

Rev. Thomas Prentice, 

Meeting House Hill, 

Enlargement of the flleeting House, 

Formation of the Parish, 

The Tablet, . 

Installation of Rev. Dr. Morse, 

Harvard and Winthrop Churches, 

Dr. Morse, 

Present Meeting House, 

Sacramental Furniture, 

The Russell Family, 

Dea. Frothingham and Dea, Miller, 



Catalogue ok Admissions to Full Communion, 
I.m.kx, ....... 



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Indian Missions 



urch, 



HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 



LECTURE I. 

Psalm xliv. 1 — 3. 

We have heard with our ears, O God ! Our fathers have told us, what 
work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst 
drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them ; how thou 
didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the 
land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm 
save them : but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy 
countenance, because thou hadst a favor unto them. 

There are few pursuits more pleasant and profitable than 
the study of History. We constitute a link which unites the 
past with the future, and we cannot fully understand our 
responsibilities, as we certainly cannot appreciate our advan- 
tages, without some acquaintance with the condition and 
services of past generations. As Christians, it is our first duty 
and principal happiness to know God ; and to do this we must 
examine his Providence as well as his Word. The command 
of God to his ancient people was, " Remember the days of old, 
consider the years of many generations ; ask thy father — and 
he will show thee ; thy elders — and they will tell thee." Deut. 
xxxii. 7. And accordingly he instituted anniversaries and 
festivals to perpetuate the memory of his dealings with their 
fathers from generation to generation. 

The believer in the providence of God, will find signal mani- 
festations of it, in the successful planting of our Pilgrim Fathers 
on these shores. " The Shepherd of Israel, he that led Joseph 
like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron," guided our 
fathers over the waters, and gave them in possession " this 
goodly heritage." If it be instructive therefore to study the 
history of ancient Israel, it cannot be otherwise to contemplate 
2 



10 

the dealings of the same God with his chosen people of New 
England. And while we are pursuing the history of our 
Church for more than two centuries, I trust we shall find it 
profitable to converse with the pious dead, • into whose labors 
we are entered,' and whose names deserve to be held in lasting 
honor, as well by the inhabitants of the town, as the members 
of the church. In giving a history of this church, we must 
begin with the settlement of the town. 

It was in the month of June, 1630, 1 that Winthrop, the 
Father of Massachusetts, first trod our soil. The Arbella, in 
which he had crossed the Atlantic, arrived at Salem on the 
12th of the month ; and by the beginning of July the whole 
fleet had arrived, and the colonists began a permanent settle- 
ment in this place. But Winthrop and his companions were 
not the first settlers here. Two years before, in the summer 
of 1628, 2 Ralph Sprague, with his brothers Richard and 
William, together with three or four more, undertook a journey 
from Salem, and after travelling to the westward through the 
woods about twelve miles, they lighted upon this place. "Upon 
surveying," our town records say, " they found it was a neck 
of land, generally full of stately timber, and the country round 
about an uncouth wilderness." This peninsula was at that 
time full of Indians, who bore the pleasing name of Aberginians, 
and whose chief John Sagamore gave the new comers, " a free 
consent to settle about this hill." 

But the Spragues again were not the first occupants of the 
soil, for they found here a single individual living alone, 3 
Thomas Walford by name, a smith, — he occupied a house, that 
was " thacht and palisadoed," and situated on the southern 
slope of this hill, a " little way up from the side of Charles 
River." Thomas Walford, therefore, was the first white 
inhabitant of this soil. 

The following year, in June, 1629,' 1 Mr. Thomas Graves, 5 
an experienced engineer, came from Salem, with about 100 of 
the Company's servants, and began to make preparation for 
the arrival of the colonists. He found here ten inhabitants 
including the four already mentioned; and these, together with 

' See Note 1. * Prince's Chron 

• Prince's Chronology, and Town Records - 1 .Note 3. 
I Note .'. 



11 

the Rev. Thomas Bright, 1 minister to the Company's servants, 
are spoken of in our town records as being the first who 
settled in this place, and brought it into the denomination of 
an English town. 

Mr. Graves built for the use of the Company, who were 
shortly to come over, a large house called " the Great House," 
which afterwards became the first meeting-house of this church. 
He also laid out the streets around the Town Hill, and meas- 
ured out to each inhabitant a two acre lot, after which they 
began to build their houses and prepare their fences. It was 
also agreed upon to change the name of the place from Misha- 
wum, by which it was known among the Indians, to Charles- 
town. 2 But it is not my design to give an account of the 
settlement of the town ; this has already been done by a gen- 
tleman, 3 who is preparing a History of the Town, in a manner 
that will leave nothing to be desired on this subject. 

Such is a brief outline of the transactions which had taken 
place on this soil, when Winthrop landed with his company. 
We shall be enabled by it to form some idea of the welcome 
that awaited them on their arrival. They were about 1,500 
in number, and the spot which they were to make their home 
must have looked dreary indeed. It was wearing its primitive 
and savage appearance, except in the immediate neighborhood 
of this hill. The primeval forest of oak trees, which had for 
unrecorded ages covered the peninsula, was still casting its 
shadows around them, except where the axe of Walford and 
the Spragues had let the sun in upon this eminence. The 
Governor and some of the patentees were accommodated in 
the Great House ; but no hospitalities were or could have been 
afforded to the great majority. They accordingly erected 
booths and tents of cloth about the hill, and laid themselves 
down upon the cold and dewy ground to sleep. They had had 
a long passage over the Atlantic ; some of the ships were seven- 
teen, and some eighteen weeks, in coming. But the hearts of 
the Pilgrims were so rejoiced by the safe arrival of their iieet, 
that the 8th of July was set apart by general consent both here 
and at Salem, as a day of thanksgiving to God. And now, 
forgetting their past trials, and their present destitute condition, 

1 Note 4. « Note .5. 3 Richard Frothingham, Jr., Esq. 



12 

they had both time and heart for the expression and cultivation 
of gratitude. We look back over the lapse of more than two 
hundred years, and as we behold this trusting and rejoicing 
band of Pilgrims upon this hill, on the 8th July, 1630, we feel 
that the beautiful stanzas of Mrs. Hemans are not more true 
to feeling than to history. 

" Not as the conqucrer comes, 

They the true-hearted came, 
Not with the roll of the stirring drums, 

And the trumpet that sings of fame ; 
Not as the flying come, 

In silence and in fear, — 
They shook the depths of the desert's gloom 

With their hymns of lofty cheer. 

Amidst the storm they sang, 

And the stars heard and the sea ! 
And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang 

To the anthem of the free ! 
There were men with hoary hair, 

Amidst that pilgrim band — 
Why had they come to wither there, 

Away from their childhood's land ? 

There was woman's fearless eye, 

Lit by her deep love's truth ; 
There was manhood's brow serenely high, 

And the fiery heart of youth. 
What sought they thus afar ? 

Bright jewels of the mine? 
The wealth of seas, the spoils of war? 

— They sought a faith's pure shrine ! 

Ay, call it holy ground, 

The soil where first they trod ! 
They have left unstain'd what there they found — 

Freedom to worship God ! " 

But a wild and savage home was not the only welcome of 
the Pilgrims. They disembarked from their vessels, many of 
them sick from long confinement on ship-board, and their 
sickness was greatly aggravated by their lodgings on the damp 
ground, and want of protection against the weather. 

" And although," say our town records, " the people were 
loving and pitiful, yet the sickness did so prevail, that the 
whole were not able to tend the sick as they should be tended, 
upon which many perished and died, and were buried about 



13 

the Town Hill." And thus the first spot they made their 
home, became to many of them their grave. 

To add to their distress, their provisions were growing 
scarce. Much of their supplies had been damaged during the 
voyage ; much wasted in consequence of the prevailing sick- 
ness ; many had neglected to make adequate supplies, owing 
to a report which prevailed in England when they left, that 
there was now abundance in New England ; and besides this, 
the season was so far advanced, that they could expect nothing 
from planting. Under these circumstances the Governor 
despatched Capt. William Pearce, with a ship of 200 tons, to 
the coast of Ireland to purchase provisions. 

It would be difficult to estimate the discouraging effect which 
these things had upon the minds of the people. Leaving as 
they did an old and populous country like England, where 
they had been accustomed to the unnumbered conveniences 
which are the result of the labor of many generations, and 
which we learn to appreciate only when deprived of them, 
they must have been in a great measure unconscious of what 
awaited them here, and but poorly prepared, saving in faith 
and patience, for the hardships of a settlement in the wilder- 
ness. The sufferings endured by the earliest emigrants to the 
new lands of the West, may give us some idea of the nature 
of the privations to which our fathers were subjected, but not 
of the number and magnitude of their sacrifices. 

These distressing circumstances, however, did not deter the 
Pilgrims from organizing a church, but rather hastened the 
execution of their purpose. 1 The 30th of July was observed 
as a day of fasting and prayer, and after appropriate religious 
services, Gov. Winthrop, Dep. Gov. Dudley, Mr. Isaac Johnson, 
and Rev. John Wilson, subscribed the following church cov- 
enant. 

" In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in obedience to 
his holy, wise, and divine ordinances : 

" We, whose names are here underwritten, being by his 
most wise and good providence brought together into this part 
of America, in the Bay of Massachusetts ; and desirous to unite 
into one congregation or church, under the Lord Jesus Christ, 

> Note 6. 



14 

our head, in such sort as becometh all those whom he hath 
redeemed, and sanctified to himself, do hereby solemnly and 
religiously, as in his most holy presence, promise and bind 
ourselves to walk in all our ways according to the rule of the 
Gospel, and in all sincere conformity to his holy ordinances, 
and in mutual love and respect to each other, so near as God 
shall give us grace." 

Of the four highly distinguished individuals who entered 
first into this covenant, it is unnecessary that I should say 
much ; they were not only the founders of the Church, but 
also of the Commonwealth, and their history is inseparably 
united with that of Massachusetts. 

John Winthrop, the first Governor of Massachusetts, and the 
first who signed the church covenant, was descended of respect- 
able ancestors, who were distinguished for learning as well as 
attachment to the reformed religion under the reign of Henry 
VIII. and Queen Mary. He received an accomplished legal 
education, and was possessed of a large estate of 6 or £700 
per annum, the whole of which he invested in the settlement 
of New England. He was highly esteemed and greatly be- 
loved by his cotemporaries ; and he will never cease to be 
reverenced and admired by the sons of New England for his 
honor, generosity, and Christian principle. When he removed 
from England he was about forty-three years of age. 1 

Thomas Dudley, the Deputy Governor, had served under 
Queen Elizabeth as a soldier in France, and was subsequently 
distinguished for his prudent management of the large estates 
of the Earl of Lincoln ; but becoming attached to the Non- 
conforming interest,- he came to this country in the 54th year 
of his age. He was for many years Deputy Governor, and 
was at length chosen Governor, which office he sustained four 
years. 2 

Isaac Johnson, Esq., the third subscriber, was a gentleman 
of great amiableness, and enjoyed in an eminent degree the 
confidence and affection of the people. He was possessed of a 
considerable fortune, and had married the Lady Arbella, a 
daughter of the Earl of Lincoln. 

The Rev. John Wilson, the first pastor of the Church, was 

I Note 7. » Note 8. 



15 

one of the most humble, pious and benevolent men of the age. 
His ancestors had been eminent in the Church of England. 
His father was a clergyman of distinguished rank in the reign 
of Elizabeth, and by his mother he was related to Dr. Grindal, 
the excellent Archbishop of Canterbury. 1 

On the 1st August, Increase Nowell, Esq. and four others 
united with the church, and signed the covenant, and soon their 
number amounted to sixty-four men, and half as many women. 

On the 23d August, 2 the first General Court, or Court of 
Assistants as it was then called, was held, — probably in the 
Great House. The record of that meeting is interesting, as 
an exhibition of the spirit of the colonists. Religion was the 
object of their first solicitude, while as yet they had their 
houses to build, and means to provide of subsistence for the 
approaching winter, and of defence against savage enemies. 
The first question proposed was, how the ministers should be 
maintained ? And it was ordered that houses be built for 
them with convenient speed, at the public charge ; — Sir Rich- 
ard Saltonstall undertaking to see it done for Mr. Phillips at 
Watertown, and the Governor at this place for Mr. Wilson. 
In addition to this, their salaries were fixed at £30 a year. 

On the 27th August, 2 another fast was observed, and the 
church duly organized by the appointment of the proper offi- 
cers ; these were a Teacher, Pastor, Ruling Elder, and Deacons. 
To define the duties assigned to each as briefly as possible j 
the province of the teacher was to explain and defend the 
doctrines of Scripture, — that of the pastor was to exhort and 
apply the precepts of Scripture to practice, — the ruling elder 
was to attend to the discipline of the church, and the duties of 
the deacons were substantially then what they now are. 

Mr. Wilson was chosen teacher, Mr. Nowell ruling elder, and 
Messrs. Gager and Aspinwall deacons. These were all several- 
ly set apart to their offices by the imposition of hands ; with 
the explicit statement and understanding, however, that it did 
not imply, so far as Mr. Wilson was concerned, the renunci- 
ation of the ordination he had received in England. 3 

Thus was organized the third church in New England, — 
a society which became the fountain-head of influence — and 

i Note 9. 2 Prince's Chron. 3 Winthrop's Journal. 



16 

an object of profound reverence and affection. Its officers and 
members were the leading men of the colony. " Some have 
been heard to say," says Hubbard, "they believed it to be the 
most glorious church in the world." * 

In the month of August many of the colonists removed 
across the river, and in a short time the Governor and a 
majority of the inhabitants were residing on the other side of 
Charles river. The principal cause which led to this removal, 
was the want of running springs of water. The notion pre- 
vailed that " no water was good for a town but running 
springs." 2 and they were at that time acquainted with but one 
spring in this place, which, being situated in the sand, along 
the margin of Charles river, was for the most part brackish, 
and inadequate to supply the wants of the people. At this 
juncture Mr. William Blackstone, 3 who was then living alone 
in a cottage on the Boston side, acquainted the Governor with 
the existence of an excellent spring on that side and solicited 
him to remove thither. In addition to this, the sickness of the 
people still continued, and numbers were dying, and by many 
this was attributed to the unhealthiness of the place. 

Mr. Gager, the newly appointed deacon, died on the 1st of 
September, of a fever. He is spoken of by Governor Dudley, 
as "a right godly man, and skilful chirurgeon." But the spirits 
of the Pilgrims were especially affected by the death of Mr. 
Isaac Johnson, which took place on the 30th of September. 
He was so highly esteemed by the people, that his death was 
looked upon by many as almost involving the failure of their 
undertaking. 

There are few passages in the early history of New England 
more alfecting than the death of the Lady Arbella and her de- 
voted husband. "She came," says Hubbard, "from a paradise 
of pleasure and plenty, in the family of a noble Earl, into a wil- 
derness of wants, and although celebrated for her many virtues, 
was unable to stem the tide of adversities she saw herself 
surrounded with, and in about a month alter her arrival, she 
ended her days at Salem, when 1 she hist landed.'' It were 
hard to add, as he docs, thai she was " one who possibly had not 
taken the counsel of our Saviour, to sit down and think what 

' Hubb. Hist. p. 280. "> Town Records. ' Note 10. 



17 

the cost would be before she began to build." Sadly and 
solemnly did the Fathers surround her grave ; and it was 
only a month after, that they made a grave for her sorrowful 
husband, on the upper end of his lot in Boston, which 
extended to what is now Tremont street. He died " in sweet 
peace," — rejoicing that he had seen the church of Christ gath- 
ered before his death. The spot where he was laid became 
holy ground — the first burying place of the Pilgrims — and as 
they died they requested that their bodies might be laid beside 
his. This is the burying place which adjoins the Stone 
Chapel. 

"The grief of this people was further increased," says John- 
son, " by the sore sickness which befel amongst them, so that 
almost in every family, lamentation, mourning, and woe was 
heard, and no fresh food to be had to cherish them, it would 
surely have moved the most lockt up affections to tears no 
doubt, had they passed from one hut to another, and beheld 
the piteous case these people were in." 1 The mortality from 
which they suffered may be judged of, from the estimate they 
have left us that two hundred at least died between the time 
of their setting sail from England in April and the month of 
December following. 2 

Under these circumstances of deep affliction and severe 
depression, Governor Winthrop maintained a lofty courage, and 
bore up the sinking hopes of the colony. In a letter which he 
wrote at this time (September 9,) to his wife, after announcing 
the death of the Lady Arbella, and good Mr. Higginson, and 
expressing his confidence in God, he thus writes, " I thank 
God I like so well to be here, as I do not repent my coming ; 
and if I were to come again, I would not have altered my 
course, though I had foreseen all these afflictions. I never fared 
better in my life, never slept better, never had more content of 
mind, which comes merely of the Lord's good hand ; for we 
have not the like means of these comforts here, which we had 
in England. But the Lord is all sufficient, blessed be his holy 
name. If he please he can still uphold us in this estate ; but 
if he shall see good to make us partakers with others in more 



1 Johnson's Wond. Work. Prov. cli. xvii. 

s Gov. Dudley's Letter, Hist. Coll. 1st ser. viii. 41. 

3 



18 

affliction, his will be done. He is our God, and may dispose 
us as he sees good ! " 

It was in the month of November that the Governor, Deputy 
Governor, and all the Assistants except Mr. No well removed 
their families to Boston. The frame of the Governor's house 
had already been cut, and was about to be erected, but it was 
carried over to Boston. 1 

After this, for a period of two years, the inhabitants of 
(Jharlestown, were "constrained to go to Boston on the Lord's 
clay to hear the word, and enjoy the sacraments before they 
could be otherwise supplied." a 

The winter was now approaching, and the scarcity of pro- 
visions was continually increasing ; the people were compelled 
to live upon clams and muscles, ground nuts and acorns, and 
these were obtained with much difficulty in the winter time. 
" Upon these accounts," say our town records, " the people 
became much tired and discouraged, especially when they 
heard that the Governor had his last batch of bread in the 
oven. And many were the fears of the people, that Mr. 
Pearce, who was sent to Ireland to fetch provisions, was cast 
away or taken by pirates ; but God who delights to appear in 
greatest straits did work marvellously at this time, for before 
the very day appointed to seek the Lord by fasting and prayer, 
about the month of February or March, ( 5th of February, ) 3 in 
comes Mr. Pearce laden with provisions ; upon which occasion 
the day of fast was changed and ordered to be kept as a day of 
thanksgiving. The provisions were distributed among the 
people in proportion to their necessities." 

I shall pass hastily over the occurrences that transpired during 
the two years that the people of Boston and Charlestown were 
united in the same church, — these subjects belonging rather to 
the history of the First church in Boston and to the history 
of this town. 

In March of 1631, the Rev. Mr. Wilson left for England, 4 
intrusting the spiritual charge of his church to Governor Win- 
thrpp, Deputy Governor Dudley, and Air. Nowell the ruling 

1 Noti II. - Town R( 

' Mather says lhat on iliis day Gov. Wintlirop was distributing the last handful of the 

meal in the liarrrl unto a poor man <li the ""if ;>t the door, when at that mutant 

ied nth laden with ] lot them all Vol i, 1 12, 

I J. 



19 

elder. His place however, was soon occupied by the Rev. 
John Eliot, who came to our country the ensuing autumn, 
and was afterwards distinguished as the apostle to the 
Indians. 

Mr. Wilson carried with him a letter to the Countess of Lin- 
coln, written by Mr. Dudley the Deputy Governor of the 
Colony. It contains an impartial account of the condition of 
the plantation at that time, and I will therefore present an 
extract from it. 

"Having some leisure," he writes, "to discourse of the 
motives for other men's coming to this place, or their abstain- 
ing from it ; after my brief manner I say this : That if any 
come hither to plant for worldly ends, that can live well at 
home, he commits an error, of which he will soon repent him: 
But if for spiritual, and that no particular obstacle hinder his 
removal, he may mid here what may well content him : viz. 
Materials to build, fuel to burn, ground to plant, seas and rivers 
to fish in, a pure air to breath in, good water to drink, till wine 
or beer can be made • which together with the cows, hogs and 
goats, brought hither already, may suffice for food ; as for fowl 
and venison, they are dainties here as well as in England. 
For clothes and bedding, they must bring them with them, till 
time and industry produce them here. In a word, we yet 
enjoy little to be envied, and endure much to be pitied in the 
sickness and mortality of our people. And I do the more 
willingly use this open and plain dealing, lest other men 
should fall short of their expectations, when they come hither, 
as we to our great prejudice did ; by means of letters sent us 
from hence into England ; wherein honest men out of a desire to 
draw over others to them, wrote somewhat hyperbolically of 
many things here. If any godly men out of religious ends will 
come over to help us in the good work we are about, I think 
they cannot dispose of themselves, nor of their estates more to 
God's glory, and the furtherance of their own reckoning : but 
they must not be of the poorer sort yet, for divers years. For 
we have found by experience that they have hindered, not 
furthered the work : and for prophane and debauched persons, 
their oversight in coming hither is wondered at, where they 
shall find nothing to content them. If there be any endued 
with grace, and furnished with means to feed themselves and 



20 

theirs for eighteen months, and to build and plant, let them 
come into our Macedonia, and help us, and not spend them- 
selves and their estates in a less profitable employment : for 
others I conceive they are not yet fitted for this business." l 

The return of the Rev. Mr. Wilson took place May 26, 1632, 
and in August the congregation of Boston and Charlestown 
began to build a meeting-house ; for which purpose, and the 
erection of a dwelling-house for Mr. Wilson, a voluntary con- 
tribution was made, amounting to about £120. This building 
was erected on the south side of State street, in Boston ; its 
roof was of thatch, and its walls of nrad. 9 

This was the last enterprise in which the united congrega- 
tion of Boston and Charlestown were engaged. The division 
of the church took place soon after. The more immediate 
occasion of this, was the arrival of the Rev. Thomas James, 
who became an inhabitant of this place, and thus alForded the 
people an opportunity to establish a separate church. The 
severity of the winter season seemed also to render the step 
necessary. We learn from Winthrop's journal, that our people 
were unable to cross the ferry on some occasions, in conse- 
quence of the cold and the quantity of iloating ice in the river. 
The winter was now setting in upon them, and it was destined 
to be the severest one the Pilgrims had ever experienced. 3 

The request of the Charlestown members having been made 
for a dismission, the church appointed the 11th of October for 
seeking the direction of God, and on the following Sabbath 
(14th) 35 persons, 19 males and 16 females, were dismissed to 
form this church. 

Up to the period of the separation, i. e. from July, 1630, to 
October, 1632, 151 persons had been admitted to full com- 



i 1 Mass. H s. Coll viii. 42. For the most accurate copy of this interesting and valuable 
letter see Force's Hist. Tracts, vol ii. Id tins connection the following extract from Mather 
will be found interesting " I';, computation the passage of the persons that peopled New 
England cos! at leaal £95,000. The transportation of their first small stock of cattle great 
ana small cosl no less than £12,000, besides the price of the cattle themselves: the pro- 
visions laid in for subsistence, till tillage might produce more, cosl £45,000: tli<- materials 
for their firsl cottages cosl £1 8,000 j their arms, ammunition and great artillery, msi 
£22 000 : besides which £192,000, the adventurers laid out in Kngland what »n< not incon- 
siderable. About 198 ships wereemployed in passing the perils of the seas, in the accom- 
plishment of this renowned settlement 3 whereof by the way, but one miscarried in those 
perils "—Mag. I 64. 

• Winthrop's Journal, p. 87. Emerson - Hist. First Chh. 

:| ••' A terrible cold winter." says Johnson, " with weeklj snows, and fierce frosts between 
while congealing Charles Itiver, as well from the town to sea-ward, as above, insomuch that 
nun might frequently pass, from one island to another upon the ice."— W. W. Prov.eh.xxvi. 



21 

munion, 80 or 90 of whom were males, and constituted the 
body of the inhabitants. The Chaiiestown members therefore 
made up nearly one fourth of the church. 

Friday, the 2d of November, or 12th, 1 according to our mode 
of reckoning, was set apart as a day of fasting and prayer, 
when a church covenant was formed, and subscribed by 35 
persons, 19 males and 16 females, and Mr. James elected and 
ordained pastor. The covenant is expressed in nearly the same 
words as the original covenant of the first church. 2 

We have no record left us of the religious ceremonies of this 
day ; but we may learn with sufficient accuracy what they 
were, from the particular account which Johnson has given us 
of the organization of the First church in Woburn, which was 
constituted out of this church ten years after. The congre- 
gation assembled about eight o'clock, — perhaps under the 
Charlestown Oak, beneath which the first religious assemblies 
were held. After the public exercises, — which in the case of 
the Woburn church were performed by the Rev. Mr. Symmes, 
pastor of this church, who " continued in preaching and prayer 
about the space of four or five hours," — those who were to join 
first in the covenant stood forth and gave a relation of their 
i-eligious experience — what the J_.ord had done for them by his 
word and providence — and also a profession of their faith in 
those doctrines upon which their hopes were founded. The 
messengers of other churches present questioned them on any 
points they had doubt of, until all were satisfied. They then 
unitedly entered into covenant with one another ; after which 
they received the right hand of fellowship from the representa- 
tives of the churches, and were recognized as a regularly con- 
stituted church. 

After this they proceeded to elect a pastor, and chose Mr. 
James, who was set apart to office-work in this church, by two 
or three persons, who laid their hands upon his head, and said, 
"We ordain thee to be pastor unto this church of Christ." 3 



1 Note 13. 2 Note 14. 

3 It was in this manner that Mr. Carter, the first minister of the Woburn church, was 
ordained. See Johnson's Wonder Working Providence, ch. xxii. But Hubbard tells us, 
ch. xlviii, "There was some little difference about the manner of his ordination; for in regard 
they had no other officer in their church besides, nor any of their members that thought 
themselves fit to solemnize such an ordinance, they were advised by some to desire the 
elders of other churches to perform it, by imposing hands on the said Mr. Carter ; but others 
supposing it might be an occasion of introducing the dependency of churches, &,c. and 



22 

The first time this church assembled after its organization, 
for public worship, was on the 4th of November, O. S. With 
the close of this Sabbath, 1 therefore, two hundred and ten 
years will have passed away, since this church commemorated 
our Lord's resurrection for the first time. From that time to 
this, with the exception of a little more than three years, when 
the town lay in ashes, and the people were dispersed, the 
worship of God has been maintained, and his ordinances duly 
administered. 

And here let me mention the order of public worship ob- 
served by the Puritans : it will enable us to form some idea of 
the manner in which our fathers spent the Lord's day on which 
they first assembled as a distinct church, as well as their Sab- 
baths generally. 

They came together in the morning of the Sabbath as early 
as 9 o'clock, and frequently before. After prayer either the 
pastor or the teacher read a chapter and expounded it, giving 
the sense, to cause the people to understand the reading, ac- 
cording to Neh. viii. 8. A psalm was then sung, which was 
dictated by the ruling elder,- and a sermon preached by the 
one who had not expounded, commonly the pastor, and the 
services were closed with a prayer and blessing by the teacher. 
The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered in the 
morning once a month, notice of which was given a fortnight 
beforehand, the ministers and ruling elders sitting at the table, 
the two ministers sharing equally in the services, which were 
what they now are. 

In the afternoon, after prayer by the pastor or teacher, the 
Word was again read and expounded, (if time allowed.) by the 
one who preached in the morning, and a sermon preached by 

so of a |>rc^l>_> tery, were not so free to admit then of, and therefore ii was performed by one 
of their own members, though not so well to the satisfaction of some of the magistrate 
miiiKtrrs then |>r<-M-iii ; ;unl miicc that linn- ii hath been more frequent in such cases to desire 
the elders of neighboring churches, by \ irtue of communion of churches, to ordain such as 
are by the churches and people chosen to be their officers, where there are no elders before." 
When Mr. Cotton was ordained teacher of the Boston Church, Oct. 17, 1635, the pastor, 
Mr. Wilson, and the two ruling elders, laid their bands upon bis bead, wink' the pastor 
prayed and gave him the charge "i the congregation. Then the neighboring ministers that 
wen i in 'sent gave linn i lie right hand of fellowship. When no eldership existed previously 
m b church, h \\;is held proper that some of the brethren should he deputed by the church to 
ordain ; and ilii<. says Hubbard, was approved of "by the learned Dr. Hornbeck, Professor 
of Divinity in Holland, and a Presbyterian in bis judgment, and engaged in the defence of 
that cause." Bui ii soon became the usual practice for the ordination to he performed by 
the elders of neighboring churches, in virtue of the communion of churches. &>ec Hubbard, 

cli. >.X\ ill. 

i November 1.1, 1842. a Note 15. 



23 

the other, commonly the teacher. After this, baptism was 
administered, (if occasion required,) by either pastor or teacher,' 
in the deacons' seat, which was under the elders' and higher 
than the other pews. The minister commonly made an exhorta- 
tion to the church and parents concerning the ordinance, and 
prayed before and after. This ended, the contribution followed, 
one of the deacons calling upon the people and saying, Brethren 
of the congregation, now there is time left for contribution, 
wherefore as God hath prospered you, so freely offer. The 
whole congregation then arose and proceeded to the deacons' 
seat, the magistrates and chief gentlemen first, and then the 
elders, and then the rest of the congregation, all the men, all 
single persons, widows, and women in the absence of their 
husbands, came up one by one, and put their offerings 
into a box of wood made for the purpose, and then passed 
another way to their seats again. Their offerings were of 
money, and goods and chattels of various descriptions ; and 
from them, the deacons made distribution for the maintenance 
of the ministers, the poor of the church, and other purposes, 
such as the church appointed. This custom was founded on 
Deut. xvi. 16, Acts iv. 35, and vi. 3, 1 Cor. i. 2. After the 
contribution, members were received, and cases of discipline 
tried, until it oftentimes became very late. If they had time, 
a psalm was sung, and the services concluded with a prayer 
and blessing. 1 

Before proceeding any further in our narrative, allow me to 
give a brief account of the origin of the Puritans, that we may 
obtain some general idea of their religious character, and the 
principles that led to their dissent from the Church of England. 

The Puritans had their origin in the convulsions into which 
Europe was thrown by the Reformation. Previously to that 
memorable era, the Christian church had preserved for the most 
part a visible unity, and the Bishop of Rome had gradually 
subjugated the Christian world, and by the same insensible 
degrees the most monstrous errors had crept into the creed and 
worship of the church. When the conscience and common 
sense of the ivorld began to awake, and men inquired what 
was of divine and what of human origin, as a matter of course 

» Cotton's Way of the Chhs. cli. iv. Lechford's Plain Dealing, 3 Mass. H. S. Coll. iii. 76. 



24 

a great conflict of opinion ensued, and two great parties were 
formed, one advocating the old established order of things, and 
the other maintaining the necessity of a reformation to a great- 
er or less extent. 

This great contest commenced early and raged long in 
England — our father-land. Previously to the reign of Henry 
VIII. the elements of the Reformation existed in England, and 
many noble spirits had labored and bled in that cause. At 
length, however, that imperious monarch, wishing to obtain a 
divorce from his wife, and having applied in vain to the Pope, 
who for certain reasons could not grant it, declared the church 
of England independent of the Roman See, and himself the 
Head of the church. This, of course, was rather a political 
than a moral revolution ; but it afforded the friends of the 
Reformation, both in the kingdom and on the continent, a 
favorable opportunity, which they diligently improved in spread- 
ing among the people a correct knowledge of the Scriptures. 
So that during the reign of Henry and the short reign of the 
gentle Edward, the Reformation took such deep root in 
England, that no violence was ever subsequently able to extir- 
pate it. 

Under the reign of the cruel Mary, popery was re-established, 
and everything done which persecution could do, to prevent 
the spread of the Reformation. It was impossible ; the blood 
of the martyrs was the seed of the church. Many bright 
lights were indeed extinguished, and much of the purest and 
best blood of England shed. But this was all that persecution 
could do ; it killed the body, but the spirit of the martyrs lied 
to the breasts of the people, and became omnipotent and im- 
mortal. It was in this sanguinary period that the Puritan or 
leading portion of the Reformers, suffered most severely, and 
testified by their sufferings and death, how heartily they had 
espoused and how dearly they loved the cause of pure religion. 
Under Elizabeth the reformed religion was revived and perma- 
nently established as the religion of the state ; — and now the 
question arose, To what extent shall we carry the Reformation ; 
what part of the ancient forms and services of the church 
shall he retained, and what part reformed ? Upon this question 
two greal parlies arose, — the one !'<.r departing to a greater, and 
the other to a less extent from the church, as they found it at 



25 

the period of the Reformation. There was a large class, as you 
would naturally suppose, who were on the side of the Reforma- 
tion from political motives, and having no spiritual sympathies 
with Luther and the Reformers, were in favor of retaining 
all the peculiarities of their ancient faith and worship. Then 
there were a class of genuine Reformers, who from conviction 
and a conservative dread of radical changes, were disposed to 
stop short in the work of reform, lest it should unsettle the 
very foundations of religion. And finally there were the Puri- 
tans, who, as their name imports, were for purifying the 
church, from everything for which evidence might not be pro- 
duced from the Scriptures. 

In January, 1563, Queen Elizabeth's first Protestant Convo- 
cation assembled, of which Alexander Nowell — the uncle or 
great uncle of Increase Nowell the founder of this church — was 
prolocutor. This convocation agreed to the thirty-nine articles, 
and having finished the articles, proceeded to the Reformation 
of Ceremonies in the Public Liturgy, and it was on this subject 
that a great contest arose, and the Puritan party (embracing 
the larger part of the dignitaries of the church) were defeated 
by a majority of one. The points upon which this final issue 
was made, were the following six in number ; — " That all 
Sundays and principal feasts of Christ be kept holy days, and 
all others abrogated. That the minister in common prayer 
turn his face to the people and distinctly read the service. 
That in baptism, the ceremony of making the cross on the 
child's forehead be omitted, as tending to superstition. That 
at the communion, kneeling may be left to the discretion of 
the ordinary. That it be sufficient in time of saying divine 
service and ministering the sacraments, to use a surplice. And 
finally that the use of organs be removed." 1 

These articles were voted down by a bare majority, procured 
by proxies ; — and from that time forward, the Puritans were 
displaced and oppressed with increasing severity until some 
were driven to separation and exile. The policy adopted by 
Elizabeth and her advisers was designed to conciliate the 
papists, and for this purpose ancient ceremonies were retained, 
that the outward shows of religion might be the same. The 

* Strype, quoted by Prince, p. 291, and Burnet, iii. 451. 

4 



26 

scruples of the Puritans were disregarded, their intelligent and 
conscientious convictions were treated with contempt, and they 
were required to bow to the authority of the church in respect 
to outward ceremonies, which common sense as well as 
Christian charity would require should be left to the discretion 
of the worshipper or minister. 

This spirit of tyrannical and absurd interference with the 
rights of conscience, descended from Elizabeth to her suc- 
cessor King James ; and the hopes of the Puritans were finally 
crushed by the issue of the conference at Hampton Court. On 
this occasion Dr. Reynolds stated, in behalf of the Puritans, 
that all they required might be reduced to these four heads; — 
purity of doctrine, — the supply of the churches with good 
pastors, — the scriptural administration of church government, 
— and the improvement of the Book of Common Prayer. 

In regard to the first point nothing was obtained except a 
new translation of the Bible ; — and for this noble translation, 
now in the hands of all English Christians, the world are 
indebted to the Puritans. 

In reply to their scruple how far the ordinance of the church 
bindeth, without impeaching Christian liberty ? James warm- 
ly declared, " I will not argue that point with you, but answer 
as kings in Parliament, Le Roy s'avisera. This is like Mr. 
John Black, a beardless boy, who told me the last conference 
in Scotland, that he would hold conformity with his Majesty in 
matters of doctrine, but every man for ceremonies was to be 
left to his own liberty. But I will have none of that ! I will 
have one doctrine, one discipline, one religion in substance and 
ceremony. Never speak more to that point how far you are 
bound to obey ! " 

In regard to church government, Dr. Reynolds desired that 
the clergy might have meetings every three weeks for the dis- 
cussion of scriptural and theological questions. '• If you aim 
at a Scottisli Presbytery," replied the king, " it agreeth as well 
with monarchy as God and the Devil. Then Jack and Tom 
and Will and Dick, shall meet and censure me and my council. 
Therefore I reiterate my former speech, ' Le Roy s'avisera.' 
Stay I pray for one seven years before you demand that! and 
then if you find me grow pursy and fat, 1 may. perchance, 
hearken unto you, for that government will keep me in breath 



27 

and give me work enough." And then repeating his favorite 
maxim, " No bishop, no king ! " the king broke up the con- 
ference by saying, « if this be all your party hath to say, I will 
make them conform, or harrie them out of the land,— or else 
do worse ! " 1 

Such was the spirit of the temporal Head of the church of 
England when the Puritans were struggling to advance and 
secure the principles of the Reformation. As a consequence, they 
were excluded from the National church, although, for serious 
piety, sound learning, and heroic sufferings, under the perse- 
cuting reign of Queen Mary, they were as much entitled to be 
embraced within it, as any portion of the English people. To 
the church as now established by law, the Puritans could not 
conform, — and hence their name — Non-conformists. They 
were at the outset a numerous and powerful party ; and they 
increased, till under the tyrannical reign of Charles I., they 
overthrew the constitution of both church and state. 

The Puritans, however, were by no means agreed among 
themselves. There was among them a class of rigid Separatists 
who looked upon the entire constitution of the English as well 
as Roman church, as unscriptural and anti-Christian ; — they 
came out from among them, therefore, and held themselves 
separate. The non-conformists generally however did not for- 
mally separate from her, but held themselves ready to unite 
with her as a true church, when released from observances and 
tests, which in conscience they could not submit to. 

Such were the Puritans of Massachusetts. They not only 
owned themselves Englishmen, but the church of England 
also as their dear mother. And the letter which Winthrop and 
his companions addressed to their brethren of the church of 
England, on taking farewell of them, is a beautiful exhibition 
of the mild spirit and rational principles, with which they 
began their enterprise : the sweetness of its humanity as well 
as its simple and heart-touching eloquence has made it and 
will always make it, one of the dearest monuments to 
their praise. It is entitled " The humble request of his 
Majesty's loyal subjects, the Governor and Company late gone 
for New England ; for the obtaining of their prayers, and the 

1 Souihev's Book of the Church. 



28 

removal of suspicions and misconstructions of their intentions." 
[London, printed for John Bellamie, 1630. 4to.] 1 

" Reverend Fathers and Brethren : 

" The general rumor of this solemn enterprise, wherein our- 
selves with others, through the providence of the Almighty are 
engaged, as it may spare us the labor of imparting our occasion 
unto you, so it gives us the more encouragement to strengthen 
ourselves by the procurement of the prayers and blessings of the 
Lord's faithful servants. For which end we are bold to have 
recourse unto you, as those whom God hath placed nearest his 
throne of mercy ; which as it affords you the more opportunity, 
so it imposeth the greater bond upon you to intercede for his 
people in all their straits. 

" We beseech you, therefore, by the mercies of the Lord 
Jesus, to consider us as your brethren, standing in very great 
need of your help, and earnestly imploring it. And howsoever 
your charity may have met with some occasion of discourage- 
ment through the misreport of our intentions, or through the 
disaffection or indiscretion of some of us, or rather amongst us, 
for we are not of those that dream of perfection in this world ; 
yet we desire you would be pleased to take notice of the prin- 
cipals and body of our company, as those who esteem it our 
honor to call the Church of England, from whence we rise, 
our dear mother ; and cannot part from our native country, 
where she specially resideth, without much sadness of heart, 
and many tears in our eyes, ever acknowledging that such hope 
and part as we have obtained in the common salvation, we 
have received in her bosom, and sucked it from her breasts. 
We leave it not, therefore, as loathing that milk wherewith we 
were nourished there ; but blessing God for the parentage and 
education ; as members of the same body shall always rejoice 
in her good, and unfeignedly grieve for any sorrow shall ever 
betide her, and while we have breath sincerely desire and en- 
deavor the continuance and abundance of her welfare, with 
the enlargement of her bounds in the kingdom of Christ Jesus. 

"Be pleased, therefore, reverend fathers and brethren, to 
help forward this work now in hand: which, if it prosper, you 

1 Hubbard, eh. xxiii. 



29 

shall be the more glorious ; howsoever, your judgment is with 
the Lord, and your reward with your God. It is an usual and 
laudable exercise of your charity to commend to the prayers of 
your congregations the necessities and straits of your private 
neighbors. Do the like for a church springing out of your own 
bowels. We conceive much hope that this remembrance of 
us, if it be frequent and fervent, will be a most prosperous gale 
in our sails, and provide such a passage and welcome for us, 
from the God of the whole earth, as both we which shall find 
it, and yourselves, with the rest of our friends who shall hear 
of it, shall be much enlarged to bring in such daily returns of 
thanksgivings, as the specialties of his providence and goodness 
may justly challenge at all our hands. You are not ignorant, 
that the Spirit of God stirred up the Apostle Paul to make 
continual mention of the church of Philippi, (which was a 
colony from Rome) ; let the same spirit, we beseech you, put 
you in mind, that are the Lord's remembrancers, to pray for 
us without ceasing, (who are a weak colony from yourselves,) 
making continual request for us to God in all your prayers. 
What we entreat of you that are the ministers of God, that we 
also crave at the hands of all the rest of our brethren, that they 
would at no time forget us in their private solicitations at the 
throne of grace. If any there be, who through want of clear 
intelligence of our course, or tenderness of affection towards us, 
cannot conceive so much of our way as we could desire, we 
would entreat such not to despise us, nor to desert us in their 
prayers and affections ; but to consider rather, that they are 
so much the more bound to express the bowels of their com- 
passion towards us, remembering always, that both nature and 
grace doth ever bind us to relieve and rescue, with our utmost 
and speediest power, such as are dear unto us, when we con- 
ceive them to be running uncomfortable hazards. 

" What goodness you shall extend to us, in this or any other 
Christian kindness, we, your brethren in Christ Jesus, shall 
labor to repay, in what duty we are or shall be able to perform ; 
promising, so far as God shall enable us, to give him no rest on 
your behalfs, wishing our heads and hearts may be fountains 
of tears for your everlasting welfare, when we shall be in our 
poor cottages in the wilderness, overshadowed with the spirit 
of supplication, through the manifold necessities and tribula- 



30 

tions which may not altogether unexpectedly, nor, we hope, 
unprofitably befal us. 

" And so commending you to the grace of God in Christ, 
we shall ever rest your assured friends and brethren. 

John Winthrop, Gov. Rich: Saltonstall, 

Charles Fines, Isaac Johnson, 

Geokge Phillips, Tho: Dudley, 

&c. William Coddington, 



&c. 



" From Yarmouth, aboard ihe Arbella, April 7, 1630." 



So likewise when Mr. Higginson, the first minister of Salem, 
had embarked, and was about to leave England, he called up 
his children and other passengers, unto the stern of the ship to 
take their last sight of England, saying, " We will not say as 
the Separatists were wont to say at their leaving of England, 
Farewell Babylon ! farewell Rome ! But we will say, Farewell 
dear England ! farewell the church of God in England, and 
the Christian friends there ! We do not go to New England 
as separatists from the Church of England ; though we cannot 
but separate from the corruptions in it : but we go to practice 
the positive part of church reformation, and propagate the gos- 
pel in America." * 

In this spirit of Christian charity did the fathers of the Mas- 
sachusetts Colony leave their brethren in England, and begin 
to establish civil and religious institutions in this wilderness. 
They were not separatists, nor were they enthusiastic theorists. 
Such there might have been, and no doubt were among them, 
for they themselves intimate, that there were some " amongst 
them, who were not of them." But " the principals and body 
of their company " were of a far different spirit ; they went 
forth as a colony, " esteeming it their honor to call the Church 
of England their dear mother." 

In this they breathed the very spirit of catholicity, and 
evinced their freedom from the sin of schism and sectarianism. 
And if any among them, or of their children after them, have 
evinced a contrary spirit, it is shown to be manifestly a depar- 
ture from the " Spirit of the Pilgrims." 9 



1 Mather's Mag. I. 3"J8. * Note JC. 



LECTURE II 



Psalm lxxx. 8 — 11. 

Thou hast brought a vine out of f.gypt : thou hast cast out the heathen, 
and planted it. tltou p rep a redst room before it, and didstcause it to 
take deep root, and it filled the land. the hills were cov ered with 
the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars. 
She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river. 

In the first Lecture, I gave some account of the First church 
gathered upon this soil, the removal of its pastor and majority 
of its members to Boston, and the causes which led to the 
organization of the present First church of Charlestown, No- 
vember 2, 1632, two years after the formation of the original 
church. 

I shall now proceed to give some account of the founders or 
original members, and the first pastor of the church, together 
with a few of the more prominent facts in our ecclesiastical 
history. 

The first name subscribed to the church covenant is that of 
Increase Parnel No well. 1 

Mr. Nowell was the only one of the assistants or magistrates 
who remained in this town, when the governor and others re- 
moved to Boston. He was also appointed ruling elder of the 
church; an office which he held until a few months before this 
church was. formed, when the question was agitated whether a 
person might be a civil magistrate and a ruling elder of the 
church at the same time. This inquiry was proposed in 
writing to the sister churches of Plymouth and Salem, and 
being answered by them in the negative, Mr. Nowell laid down 
his office in the church, and devoted himself exclusively, to 
the end of life, to the duties of a civil magistrate, for which he 

1 See note 14. The method of signing- this covenant is remarkable. Instead of Increase 
Nowell and Parnel his wife, it is Increase Parnel Nowell, a single name, allbrcling a pleasing 
conformity to the declaration of Scripture, " They twain shall be one." 



32 

was well qualified. His father or grandfather, was brother to 
the famous Alexander No well, dean of St. Paul's in the reign 
of Queen Elizabeth, and prolocutor of her first convocation. 
He is mentioned in the charter of Massachusetts granted by 
King Charles I. as an associate to the six original patentees, 
and was for a number of years secretary of the colony.' 
Johnson, who resided in this town, and must have known 
him well, pronounces a high eulogium upon him, as an honor- 
able and upright hearted man, who, though brought up tenderly 
and in the midst of abundance, was yet contented with the 
poverty and self-denial of his wilderness home. As a magis- 
trate he was just both to poor and rich, and the people expres- 
sed their sense of his faithfulness, and the constancy of their 
regard, by choosing him secretary many successive years. 2 
He was one of the owners of the ship Jewel, and probably 
possessed a very considerable estate, but with nearly all the first 
and most active planters, he became poor. He died Nov. 1, 
1655. His will, bearing date June 23, 1655, has been pre- 
served in the probate office. Two of his sons, Samuel and 
Alexander, graduated at Harvard college, the first of whom 
entered the ministry, and subsequently occupied important 
stations in the service of the colony. The services of Mr. 
Nowell appear to have been held in grateful memory. Shortly 
after his death, the town released his widow from paying the 
town rates thenceforward. The General Court had, in Kiln, 
made him a grant of 3,200 acres of land. 

I have been thus particular in regard to Mr. Nowell, because 
he, more than any other man, may be considered the father of 
the church and the town. He was a zealous Puritan, an active 
and devout Christian, and deserves to be held in grateful esteem 

1 Wintlirop's Jour. Emerson's Hist First Ch. Prince's Chron. 

2 Johnson bestows the following lines upon Mr. Increase Nowell. 

" Increase shalt thou, with honor now, in this thy undertaking'. 
Thou hasl remained, as yel unstained, all errors foul forsaking; 
To poor and nch thy justice much hath manifested been, 

Like Samuel, Mathauael, Christ halh thee framed within} 

Thy faithfulness people express, and Secretary they 

Chose dice each year, by which appear, their love with thee doth stay. 

Now Nowell see, Christ called hath dice, and work thou must for him, 

In heating down the tuple crown, and all that his foes been. 

Thus does! thou stand by Christ, frail man, to tell Ins might can make 

J)ust do his will, with graces fill, till du.st to him lie take. 

\V. W. Prov. ch. XZVi. 



33 

by the citizens of this Commonwealth, and especially by the 
inhabitants of this town. 1 

The second name among the founders of this church, is that 
of Thomas Beecher. He was the master of the ship Talbot, 
which was the Vice Admiral of the fleet that brought Winthrop 
and his company to our shores ; he had also brought to Salem 
the year before in the same vessel, the venerable Higginson, 
the first minister of Salem, and the father of the Massachusetts 
clergy. He early united with the Boston church, and was a 
representative from this town the first time that deputies were 
sent to the General Court. 2 

The third subscriber was Abraham Palmer, one of the first 
settlers of the town, having come hither with the Spragues in 
1628. He was one of a committee appointed to administer the 
oath of office to Gov. Endicott ; an associate with Thomas 
Beecher in representing the town for the first time in the Gen- 
eral Court, and is also mentioned as a " sergeant having about 
twelve men under his command, in Mason's History of the 
Pequod War." 3 

Ralph Sprague was the fourth, and his brother Richard the 
fourteenth, in the list of subscribers to the church covenant. 
They have already been spoken of as the first occupants of the 
soil. They came to this country at their own charge, and 
were men of enterprise, property, and character. The descend- 
ants of Richard have laid the church and the town under great 
obligations. 

Capt. Richard Sprague died on the 25th of November, 1668, 
at the age of sixty-three, and bequeathed to the church pro- 
perty to the amount of about £30. His son, who bore the 
same title, died on the 7th of October, 1703, at the age of 
seventy-eight, and was the most munificent benefactor of this 
church, having bequeathed to it a valuable parsonage-house 
and lands. 4 

Edward Converse, the fifth named, was the individual who 
first established a ferry between Charlestown and Boston. By 
order of the Court, (June 14, 1631,) he was permitted to charge 
2d. for ferrying a single person, and Id. if there be two or 



» Note 17. 3 Hubb. 122. 2 Hist. Coll. viu. 146. 

8 Savage's Winth. I. 2. * Note 18. 



34 

more. He subsequently became one of the seven founders of 
the church in Woburn, where his descendants still live. 

Ezekiel Richardson, the next in order, became also one of 
the founders of the Woburn church. 

Henry Hanvood, the eighth, was a companion of the unfor- 
tunate Richard Garrett, who attempted, in the month of De- 
cember, the first winter after the arrival of the planters, to go 
from Boston to Plymouth in an open shallop, against the advice 
of his friends. Gov. Winthrop has left us a particular account 
of this distressing occurrence. 1 They were driven to sea by a 
storm, and after suffering so much by cold that they gave 
themselves up for lost, they made the shore of Cape Cod. 
Here they spent the night without shelter or fire, and in the 
morning started for Plymouth, supposing it to be within seven 
or eight miles, whereas it was at the distance of fifty. By a 
kind Providence, they fell in with an Indian, whose assistance 
was timely enough to rescue all from death, except Ricbard 
Garrett, who died shortly after being landed, the first victim of 
the storm, where thousands have perished since. Harwood, 
after great suffering, partially recovered, and probably in con- 
sequence of his disability from this calamity, he was appointed 
(1632) to keep the milch cattle of the town in a herd on the 
main without the neck until harvest, " driving them forth every 
morning and bringing them into town every evening." He 
was one of the earliest members of the Boston church, and 
is spoken of by Governor Winthrop as a godly man. He 
lived but a short time after the organization of the chinch. 

Robert Hale, the ninth in the list, and Ralph Mousall, the 
thirteenth, were the first deacons of the church. 2 

William Frothingham, the twelfth, is the ancestor of the 
large and respectable family that bear his name, and is the only 
one of the original founders of the church, whose lineal de- 
scendants are still in the midst of us ; three of his posterity have 
successively borne the office of deacon among us, and the name 
has been on the list of members from that time to this. 

I conclude these sketches, with the name of the Rev. 
Thomas James, the pastor of the church, whose name occurs 
tbe eleventh in order. He was born and educated in England, 

1 Winthrop's Jour. I. 39. * Note 19. 



35 

and previously to his removal to this country, he had been a 
minister in Lincolnshire, his native county, where Johnson 
says he was commended for his courteous speech and work of 
Christian love. His subsequent history will be given here- 
after. 

Before proceeding further in the history of the church, it 
may be proper and interesting to give some account of the 
general aspect of the town and the external conveniences of the 
people, as they may be gathered from the hints afforded us in 
the town records. 

That part of the peninsula, east of Main street, was the great 
corn field, commonly called the East field ; each inhabitant 
was entitled to two acres to plant ; and the field was enclosed 
by a fence which extended from Thomas Wal ford's on the 
south side of the town hill over to the east creek of the town, 
and at the other end by a fence from Ralph Mousall's, (whose 
house was probably built highest up on Main street,) carried 
along by the high-way to the neck, where it met the Mystic. 
The town was laid out around this hill, and most of the houses 
were built here, and along the road to the country, which run 
in the general direction of Main street. 

The first place for Sabbath assembly was under the shade of 
a great oak, which grew on this hill, or in the square, and 
which stood for many years afterwards and was celebrated as 
the Charlestown oak. After the organization of the church, 
the great house, which was now no longer used as a govern- 
ment house, was purchased of Governor Winthrop and the 
other proprietors for the sum of £10, and fitted up for the 
meeting-house of the town. It stood at the foot of this hill in 
the square, and was occupied by the church, until 1639, when 
it was sold, and a new meeting-house erected on the same 
spot. 1 Four individuals were admitted to the church before the 
close of the year ; and in January the first baptism took place, 
which was that of the pastor's son. John, the son of Thomas 
and Elizabeth James. 

" At this time," say our town records, " began a most griev- 
ous and terrible sickness amongst the Indians, who were ex- 
ceedingly numerous about us, called the Aberginians. Their 

» Note 20. 



36 

disease was generally the small pox, which raged not only 
amongst these, but amongst the eastern Indians also, and in a 
few months swept away multitudes of them, both young and 
old. They could not bury their dead, the English were con- 
strained to help, and that which is very remarkable is, that 
though the English did frequently visit them in their sickness 
notwithstanding the infection, it was observed that not one 
Englishman was touched with the disease ; but it was extra- 
ordinarily infectious among themselves, and mortal where it 
took any of them, insomuch that there was scarce any of them 
left." The account which Johnson has left us of the ravages 
of this pestilence, is painful in the extreme. " The poor 
creatures, being very timorous of death, would have fled from 
it, but could not tell how, unless they could have gone from 
themselves." " Relations were little regarded among them at 
this time, so that many who were smitten with disease died 
helpless, unless they were near and known to the English : 
their powwows, wizards, and charmers, were possessed with the 
greatest fear of any. The winter's piercing cold stayed not the 
strength of this hot disease, yet the English endeavoring to 
visit their sick wigwams, helped them all they could, but as 
they entered one of their matted houses, they behold a most 
sad spectacle, death having smitten all but one poor infant, 
which lay on the ground sucking the breast of its dead mother, 
seeking to draw living nourishment from her dead breast." 1 

And here it is a pleasing duty to stop awhile and contemplate 
this exhibition of humanity and Christian love. We look 
around us and imagine that we see " the matted houses " 
of the Aberginians still standing within the forest, and the 
pilgrims regardless of infection approaching the sick and dying, 
(from whom their own kindred had fled with savage amaze- 
ment,) alleviating their sufferings, if not rescuing them from 
death, and endeavoring to enlighten and comfort their benight- 
ed souls with Christian instruction and hope. Governor Win- 
throp says, it made a deep impression upon their hearts, " that 
when their own people forsook them, yet the English came 
frequently and ministered unto them." 

In the month of December 1633. this disease attacked John 

1 Won. Work. Trow eh xxv. 



37 

Sagamore, 1 the Aberginian chief, " whose gentle and good dis- 
position, gave the earliest planters a free consent to settle here." 
At his own request he was carried among the English, by 
whom he was kindly received, and in his last hours was 
attended by the best and most honored of the pilgrims. He 
requested that his two sons might be taken and taught " to 
know God ; and accordingly the governor took one, and Mr. 
Wilson the other" to their respective homes. 2 The dying chief 
gave the governor a good quantity of wampompeague, or In- 
dian money, and besides making gifts to many others, provided 
for the payment of all his own debts and those of his men. 
He promised, if he recovered, to live with the English, and 
serve their God ; and when he died, it was in the persuasion 
that he should go to the Englishman's God. And in the same 
manner, we are told, that many of them, in their sickness, con- 
fessed that the God of the pilgrims was " a good God, and that 
if they recovered, they would serve him." 

Thus passed away the race, whose lands we inherit, and 
upon whose graves we have built the sepulchres of our fathers ; 
and thus died in the bosom of Christian benevolence, and in 
the indulgence too of Christian hope, the last of the Abergini- 
ans. What inhabitant of Charlestown does not involuntarily 
drop a tear over the death of the gentle John Sagamore, whose 
boyhood was spent in the oak forests of Mishawum, and who 
welcomed, with such unsuspecting friendship, the pale stranger 
to share with him his home and his dominion. Alas ! how 
hard has been their fate. The very light of civilization and 
Christianity, seems to have dissipated them ; they have passed 
away like mist over the western hills, when pierced by the 
rising sun. But we have a bright page to read, in the history 
of the pilgrims' dealings with the sons of the forest. They 
came to this country not merely to find freedom and a home 
for themselves, but also to bring to the Indian a knowledge of 
his God and Saviour. And in this connection it is a pleasing 
duty, to state that our fathers obtained the lands upon which 
they settled, by fair purchase. They did not deny to the In- 
dian his rights, nor forget justice in dealing with him. 

There is on record a written agreement, under date of April 

1 His Indian name was Wonohaquaham. See Dudley's Letter, p. 6, Force's Hist. Tracts, 
II. J Compare Won. Work. Prov. ch. xxv. with Winthrop's Jour. I. 120. 



38 

15, 1639, by which Web Cowit and Squaw Sachem, after 
making certain reservations to themselves, sell to the inhabi- 
tants of this town, the land within the lines granted to them 
by the court, and in full satisfaction they acknowledge to 
" have received from Charlestown, 21 coats, 19 fathom of 
wampum, and 3 bushels of corn." 

When it is remembered that the providence of God had 
swept away the great majority of the race, and that these lands 
could therefore have been of little intrinsic value to them, it 
will be seen that the compensation paid by our fathers was not 
only fair but even generous, and must have been so regarded 
by the Indians themselves. 

To return now to the history of the church. The settlement 
of Mr. James appears not to have been a happy one. After a 
little more than a year, Ave learn from Governor Winthrop, " a 
spirit of jealousy arose between Mr. James and many of his 
people, so as Mr. Nowell and some others who had been dis- 
missed from Boston, began to question their fact of breaking 
from Boston, and it grew to such a principle of conscience 
among them, as the advice of the other ministers was taken in 
it, who after two meetings, could not agree about their con- 
tinuance or return." 1 

It is difficult to understand how Mr. Nowell or any one else 
could have questioned the fact of their having been regularly 
dismissed from the Boston church; and it would seem probable, 
therefore, that they desired a return to the mother church in 
consequence of dissatisfaction with the ministrations or temper 
of their pastor. 

It is obvious that a want of harmony existed between pastor 
and people, and this dissatisfaction, no doubt, led them to seek 
the settlement of a teacher among them, who should supply 
the deficiencies of their pastor. This they were enabled to 
accomplish the following year by the arrival of the Rev. 
Zechariah Symmes. He was admitted to the fellowship of 
the church, with Sarah his wife, on the 6th of December, 1634, 
and on the 22d of the month, which w.is kept as a solemn day 
of humiliation, he was elected and ordained teacher. Soon 
after he came over, he was invited to assist in planting another 

' Winthrop, I. If7. 



39 

church of Christ, but in consequence of the place being remote 
from the ministers already settled, he chose to accept the 
call of this church. 1 

Mr. Symmes was born in Canterbury, England, April 5, 1599, 
His father, the Rev. William Symmes, was ordained in 1588, 
and exercised his ministry at a period in English history, when 
it exposed him to great suffering. His grand parents were 
persons of piety, and befriended the Protestant clergy during 
the Marian persecution. He received his education in the 
University of Cambridge, and gave evidence of piety at a very 
early period of life. After leaving the university, he was 
chosen in 1621 to be a lecturer at Atholines in London ; but 
being frequently harrassed by processes from the Bishops' 
courts, for his non-conformity to certain instituted ceremonies 
of public worship, he removed to Dunstable in 1625, and 
thence, his troubles still continuing, to this country. 9 Johnson 
bestows marked praise upon his wife Sarah, " whose courage," 
he says, " exceeded her stature," being " indued with graces 
which fitted her for a wilderness condition," and " undergoing 
with much cheerfulness the difficulties of those times of 
straits." 

Previously to the admission of Mr. Symmes, fifty-four had 
been received into the church, twenty-five males and twenty- 
nine females ; and sixteen had been baptized, nine males and 
seven females. 

In about a year after the settlement of Mr. Symmes, the 
difficulty between the church and their pastor, Mr. James, came 
to a crisis, and resulted in his dismission. 

A council was convened in March, 1636, composed princi- 
pally of ministers, who were sent by the churches as being best 
qualified to judge in the case of a fellow minister. 

It seems that Mr. Symmes and many of the brethren had 
taken offence at certain remarks of the pastor, and had dealt 
with him both in public and private, but without receiving 
satisfaction. Upon the hearing of the whole case, the council 
judged that " the pastor (by his natural temper a melancholic 
man and subject to jealousies) had been to blame, for speaking 
as of certainty, that which he had only conceived out of 

1 Johnson's Won. Work. Prov. ch. xxxii. * Mather's Mag. I. 414. 



40 

jealousy ; and also that the rest had not been without all fault, 
for of the two witnesses produced against him, one was the 
accuser. They advised, therefore, that if the breach could not 
be healed, the " pastor and such as sided with him, should ask 
a dismission," and this was accordingly done. 1 

Although these facts compel us to believe that Mr. James 
was chiefly to blame, yet the distance of time at which Ave are 
removed from the transaction, should cause us to form as fa- 
vorable an opinion as the circumstances will allow. 

After Mr. James's dismission, which may be dated on the 11th 
of March, 1636, he removed to New Haven, where he was 
employed in teaching, until 1642, when he joined Rev. Mr. 
Knowles of Watertown, and Mr. Thompson of Braintree, who 
were on their way to Virginia, in compliance with very urgent 
letters which had been received in Boston from that colony, 
requesting that able and pious ministers of the gospel might be 
sent to them. They were received very affectionately, and 
gladly heard by the people, but returned in about a year, in 
consequence of the interference of the government of the 
colony, who would allow none but such as were episcopally 
ordained, to exercise the functions of a Christian minister. 2 

This enterprise is interesting, as the first home missionary 
undertaking, and awakened deep interest at that time in Boston. 

After this Mr. James returned to England, and was settled in 
the parish church of Needham, but resigned his charge August 
24, 1662, because he could not in conscience approve of the 
ceremonies which were then imposed upon the ministers of the 
established church in conducting the public worship. After 
his ejectment he gathered a Congregational church, and had a 
pretty numerous society. He lived to a very advanced age, 
and was regarded as a very holy good man. 

It is a painful proof of the extremes to which religious in- 
tolerance went in those days, that " when he died, the clergy- 
man who came in his place would not allow him to be buried 
in any other part of the church-yard, but that unconsecrated 
corner left for rogues and excommunicates ; though the clergy- 
man owed his benefice to the noble uprightness of Mr. James's 
heart." 3 

1 Hubb. l'JO. Winthrop, I. 182. * Dacon's Hist. Dis. 57. Hubb. 410. 3 Prince, 413. 



41 

Some writers have confounded Mr. James with his son, Rev. 
Thomas James, who in 1648 was settled in East Hampton, 
Long Island, the first pastor of the church in that place, 
where he died, 1696. * His grave is to this day an object of 
interest to strangers who visit the church-yard of that ancient 
town, from the peculiarity of its situation ; it is apart by 
itself, with its head-stone towards the east, while all the other 
dead are laid with theirs towards the west. He is said to 
have been a faithful and successful pastor, and that to fix his 
counsels in the hearts of his people, and remind them that they 
must meet him again, he gave it in charge to his friends on his 
death-bed, that they should bury him (on the east side of the 
grave-yard) with his head to the east, in the opposite direction 
from that in which his people were laid, that in the morning of 
the resurrection he might meet them face to face. 2 

For the purpose of exhibiting the state of religion at this 
period, it is necessary to give some account of the synod of 
1637, the first convened in New England. The occasion of 
this assembly was the dissemination of certain religious tenets, 
regarded by our fathers as at variance with the gospel ; they 
originated with Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, who came to this 
country in the same ship with Rev. Zechariah Symmes. 

" This gentlewoman," says Hubbard, " was of a nimble wit, 
voluble tongue, eminent knowledge in the Scriptures, of great 
charity, and notable helpfulness, especially in such occasions, 
where those of that sex stand in need of the mutual help of 
each other ; which was the opportunity usually taken for in- 
sinuating into the spiritual state of those she came amongst, 
telling them of the danger of being under a covenant of works ; 
by which means the affections of those that labored under 
wants, and bodily infirmities, were notably prepared to become 
susceptible of any moral impressions; especially such as seemed 
to tend to the exalting of free grace, and depressing of the crea- 
ture and leaving all for Christ to do, and as when the devil 
attempted to ruin mankind by the insinuation of a new divinity, 
he began with Eve, and by her surprised her husband ; the 
same course is still found the most successful for that end : and 
was to admiration at this time verified in and about Boston." 3 



i Note 21. 2 New York Observer, vol. xx. 130. 3 Hubb. Hist. p. 283. 

6 



42 

It is not necessary, and would be exceedingly difficult if not 
impossible, to define precisely the points of difference between 
the Hutchinsonians and the great body of the people and clergy 
who opposed them ; they were, when theoretically considered, 
extremely subtile, to be apprehended by those only whose 
minds are well informed on theological subjects and trained to 
metaphysical distinctions. " 'Tis believed,"' says Mather, "that 
multitudes of persons, who took in with both parties did never 
to their dying hour understand what their difference was : by 
the same token, in the height and heat of all the difference, 
when some ships were going from hence into England, Mr. 
Cotton in the whole congregation, advised the passengers to 
tell our countrymen at home, that all the strife here was about 
magnifying the grace of God ; the one person seeking to ad- 
vance the grace of God within us, as to sanctification ; and 
another person seeking to advance the grace of God towards 
us, as to justification ; and Mr. Wilson stood up after him, de- 
claring on the other side, that he knew none that did not labor 
to advance the grace of God in both." l 

But notwithstanding the small difference of the opposing 
opinions, and " though the truth might easily have united 
both," there grew at length to be a wide difference in doctrine 
as well as spirit, some among the advocates of the new opinions 
falling into gross and destructive errors ; this however may 
have been the consequence of heated controversy and partizan 
warfare. It is incredible at the present day what intense ex- 
citement the new opinions created, and to what extent the civil 
as well as religious affairs of the colony were involved. " The 
expedition against the Pequot Indians was most shamefully 
discouraged, because the army was too much under a covenant 
of works ; and the magistrates began to be contemned, as being 
of a legal spirit, and having therewithal a tang of anti-Christ in 
them ; nor could the ordering of town lots or town rates, or 
any meetings whatsoever escape the confusions of this contro- 
versy." 2 

At first the ministers, "awakened by these noises about the 
temple," had several meetings, but without eilect in composing 
the differences ; and then the General Court called a synod of 

> Magualia, II. HO. 9 Magnalia, II. 41 1. 



43 

all the churches in the country. The synod met at Cambridge 
(then called Newtown) 30th of August, 1637, and was com- 
posed of about twenty-five ministers, together with delegates 
from the churches, and the magistrates of the colony. The 
moderators were the Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hartford, and 
Rev. Peter Bulkley, of Concord, " two as able and judicious 
divines as any the country afforded." 1 

In the first place, the erroneous opinions that were prevailing 
among the people, were reported to the assembly by a com- 
mittee, and then were debated ; one day was given for the de- 
fendants, another for the opponents, after which the synod 
came to a result. Eighty-two erroneous opinions and expres- 
sions, which had been uttered in the country by several men 
at several times, were condemned. Some were offended at the 
number of the errors charged, and demanded who the authors 
were ; denying that such errors existed, and that to say so was 
a slander upon the country. But whatever may have been true 
in regard to the existence or prevalence of these errors, they 
were condemned by the synod unanimously. 

After this a conference ensued between Mr. Cotton, teacher 
of the church in Boston, who was regarded as having encour- 
aged the Hutchinsonians, and the synod, for the purpose of 
establishing an agreement between this great divine and his 
brethren. Five questions were proposed to him, respecting 
" the order of things in our union with the Lord Jesus Christ ; 
the influence of our faith in the application of his righteousness ; 
the use of our sanctification in evidencing our justification ; 
and the consideration of our Lord Jesus Christ by men, yet 
under a covenant of works." 2 

" In the first handling of these questions," says Winthrop, 
" either party delivered their arguments in writing, which were 
read in the assembly, and after, the answers to them, which 
spent much time without any effect ; but after they came to 
open dispute, the questions were soon determined ; for so they 
came to understand each other better." 3 

Before the synod broke up, on the last day of the session / 
the public exercising of women's gifts, in a set assembly, as 
had been the practice of Mrs. Hutchinson, who had been ac- 

i Hubbard, p. 299. } Magnalia, II. 441. 3 VVinthrop's Jour. I. 289. 



44 

customed to meet sixty or more every week, to resolve ques- 
tions of doctrine and expound Scripture, was agreed to be 
disorderly and without rule. 

It had also been the custom in many congregations for the 
ministers to allow their people to propose questions after sermon, 
and the practice having given rise to great abuses ; it was de- 
cided that a private member might ask a question publicly for 
information, yet this ought to be done wisely, sparingly, and 
with leave of the elders ; but for a member to reprove the 
doctrines which had been delivered, and reproach the elders, 
and that with bitterness, was utterly condemned. 

In looking back upon the religious enthusiasm of this period, 
we may characterize the sentiments then embraced as belong- 
ing to the Antinomian school, and as quite similar both in their 
origin and moral influence, to the doctrines of modern perfec- 
tionism. 

The assembly broke up on the 22d September, and on the 
26th Mr. Davenport, who had just then arrived from England, 
and was soon after settled in New Haven, preached by previous 
request of the assembly from Phil. iii. 16, " Nevertheless, 
whereunto we have already attained, let us walk by the same 
rule, let us mind the same thing." He laid down in his sermon 
" the occasion of differences among Christians, declared the 
effect and fruit of the assembly, and with much wisdom and 
sound argument persuaded all to keep the unity of the spirit 
in the bond of peace." The result of the synod was in an 
unusual degree productive of peace in the churches and good 
order in the community. 1 

After the dismission of Mr. James, Mr. Symmes, who had 
been settled as teacher, became the pastor of the church. The 
office of teacher was vacant for about three years ; during a 
part of this time, however, the Rev. John Harvard supplied the 
pulpit as an assistant to Mr. Symmes. 

This gentleman, whose munificent bequest to the cause of 
education has made him immortal by giving his name to the 
college at Cambridge, was admitted a member of this church 
with Anna Harvard his wit't . 6th November, 1637, having on 



i For a more minute account of the synod, see Wuithrop's Journal, I. '231. Hubb. Hist, 
eh. xl. Mather's Mag. 11. i 10 1 Mass. Hist. Coll. ix. 86 , 



45 

the 6th of August been admitted a townsman, " with promise 
of such accommodations as we best can." 

The confidence that was reposed in him by the inhabitants, 
is shown by their vote of 26th of April, 163S, by which " Mr. 
Increase Nowell, Mr. Zechariah Symmes, Mr. John Greene, 
Mr. John Harvard, Lieut. Ralph Sprague and William Learned, 
were desired to consider of something tending towards a body 
of laws." In the distribution of land and privileges of com- 
mons, he was among the most favored inhabitants. The house 
which he occupied was near the meeting-house on the side of 
this hill, and was subsequently owned by the Rev. Thomas 
Shepard. 

Mr. Harvard received the degree of M. A. from Emanuel 
college, Cambridge, 1 and died of consumption in this place, 
September 14, 1638. The sum which he bequeathed to the 
college was half his estate, and amounted probably to £779, 
17s. 2d. 

Johnson, who must have known him, as well as heard him 
preach, has composed a few verses upon him ; the sentiment 
of which is, that " If Harvard could have been satisfied with 
the enjoyment of earthly riches, he would never have crossed 
the ocean; but the glory of Christ had so attracted him, that 
nothing would content his soul, short of an experience of his 
love. And then he calls upon him from the midst of his hea- 
venly joys to tell of his blessedness among the saints. He says 
that Harvard preached and prayed with tears, and evidences of 
strong affection, and that his own heart had been delighted 
with his ministrations. Scarce had he opened his eyes upon 
the churches of Christ here, before he was called to eye that 
Saviour face to face ; death drew him away from his scanty 
joys on earth, because the full joy for which he longed could 
only be found in heaven." ~ 

The precise spot of his interment is at present unknown ; but 
the summit of the burying hill has been appropriated to a 
monument to his memory erected by the graduates of the col- 



1 Harvard received his first degree, 1631, and became M. A. 1635. See Hist. Coll. 3d 
Series, vol. 7. 

2 Won. Work. Prov. B. ii. ch. xii. 



46 

lege, to which he has given his name, and of which he is justly 
regarded as the founder. 

After the death of Harvard, which took place on the 14th of 
September, 163S, 1 Mr. Symmes was left without any stated 
helper in the work of the ministry, until about the year 1640, 
when the Rev. Thomas Allen was chosen and ordained teacher 
of this church. 

This gentleman was born in the city of Norwich, England, 
in 1608, received his education in Caius college in Cambridge, 
and afterwards became minister of St. Edmund's in his native 
city ; he was silenced by Bishop Wren in 1636 for refusing to 
read the Book of Sports. He came to this country at the age 
of thirty, and became a member of this church December 22, 
1639 ; the date of his ordination has not been preserved, but it 
was probably in this or the following month. 2 

The number admitted to the church during the preceding 
five years from December 22, 1634, when Mr. Symmes was 
ordained, to December 22, 1639, was one hundred and three, 
forty-five males and fifty-eight females ; the number baptized 
was seventy-three, thirty-six of whom were males. 

During the period of ten or eleven years, in which Mr. Allen 
discharged the duties of teacher to the church, there is little 
certain information to be obtained respecting the state of reli- 
gion. The devoted Eliot was successfully prosecuting his 
labors among the Indians, and his mission must have been 
calling forth the prayers and benefactions of our fathers. And 
it was during this period, in 1648, that the churches were 
called together in their second general synod, to form their 
ecclesiastical constitution. When our fathers arrived here, 
their views of church government and order, wine as indeter- 
minate, as their views in respect to civil government. There 
was no little diversity among them at first, and the unanimity 
of views that prevailed was chiefly owing to the powerful in- 
fluence of Mr. John Cotton, teacher of the church in Boston, 
whose book entitled " The Book of the Keys," was by general 
consent adopted as a guide in regard to the order of the 
churches. 

It seemed desirable that the views and practices of the 

> Note 13. a Note 22. 



47 

churches should be harmonized, and a general directory formed 
for the guidance of the churches in future. Accordingly the 
General Court passed a bill convening a synod, by way of in- 
vitation to the churches, rather than express command. Letters 
were sent to the churches in the Plymouth and Connecticut 
jurisdictions, and on the 15th of August, 1648, the council as- 
sembled, and in less than fourteen days completed the work 
assigned them. For the present, instead of framing for them- 
selves a confession of faith, they received, for substance of doc- 
trine, the one which had then been recently set forth by the 
assembly of divines at Westminster. 

" Our churches here," say they, " as, by the grace of Christ, 
we believe and profess the same doctrine of the truth of the 
gospel, which generally is received in all the reformed churches 
of Christ in Europe, so especially we desire not to vary from 
the doctrine of faith and truth held forth by the churches of 
our native country. Now by this our professed consent and 
free concurrence with them in all the doctrinals of religion, we 
hope it may appear to the world, that as we are a remnant of 
the people of the same nation with them, so we are professors 
of the same common faith, and fellow-heirs of the same com- 
mon salvation." 

From the framers of the Westminster Confession, however, 
and the dominant party in England at that time, who were 
Presbyterians, they differed in regard to their principles of 
church order and discipline. The chief points of difference 
were these two ; that none but visible saints should be received 
to the seals or sacraments ; and that the decisions of the pres- 
bytery or classis, should be only advisory, and not authoritative, 
the consent of the brotherhood being necessary to make an act 
binding. 

The Cambridge Platform, in which this synod resulted, is a 
lucid exposition of the principles of primitive Congregationalism ; 
it became, so far as the independency of our churches would 
allow, the religious constitution of New England ; and such 
in the main it still continues to be. 1 In point of execution it is 

1 See note 23. We are told by Mather that Mr. John Cotton, Mr. Richard Mather, and 
Mr. Ralph Partridge were appointed by the synod, each of them to draw up a Scriptural 
model of church government, and that it was chiefly out of 31r. Mather's model the Platform 
was taken. Mather, vol. I. p. 401), II. 182. 



48 

unrivalled ; no document of the kind can be produced exhibi- 
ting more discrimination, or greater precision and strength of 
style ; and the principles, by which it is characterized, are a 
perfect vindication of our fathers from the charge of a selfish 
and aspiring ambition. No unprejudiced man can read this 
constitution of our churches without being convinced that its 
framers were men of elevated principles, as free from self-seek- 
ing, as they were opposed to the exercise of arbitrary power in 
others. 1 In the possession of solid learning and commanding 
abilities, they were too sure of possessing a better sort of influ- 
ence, to hanker after that which is attached to place, and con- 
ferred by human enactment. 

As I remarked in the last Lecture, most of our churches were 
formerly supplied with a teacher, a pastor, and one or more 
ruling elders. In the Platform, it is maintained that " the 
office of pastor and teacher is distinct. The pastor's special 
work is, to attend to exhortation, and therein to administer a 
word of wisdom ; the teacher is to attend to doctrine, and 
therein to administer a word of knowledge ; and either of them 
to administer the seals of the covenant." And then they assert 
that " forasmuch as both pastors and teachers are given by 
Christ for the perfecting of the saints, and edifying of his body," 
they should both be considered church officers, and not the 
pastor for the church, and the teacher for the schools. One of 
the most prominent peculiarities of our fathers was an attach- 
ment to a learned ministry ; it was their aim — and in it they 
were successful — to have ' a scholar to their minister in every 
village;' it was not enough for them to be exhorted and 
excited by extempore appeals from the sacred desk ; they 
looked to their ministry also for sound instruction, and treas- 
ures that were new as well as old. The religion they professed 
was eminently a thoughtful one ; — its foundations were laid in 
a personal examination of the word of God ; its superstructure 
was raised of truth cemented with searching intelligence ;— a 
religion as unlike to that which usurps the name of orthodoxy 

> " The New England Platform of church discipline," says Dr. Eliot, "composed at the 
desire of the people by laymen and ministers, contains ideas as favorable to the wishes of 
the brethren as the pastors. In all disputes, where the ministers have been accused of making 
an improper use oftheir powers, or usurping authority, recourse lias been had to their foun- 
dation of church government, and generally their opposers have been successful." 1 Mass. 
Hist. Soc. Coll. x. 2. 



49 

in many places, as is the rank and colorless mushroom unlike 
the oak ! The spirit of* Puritan piety was a spirit of thought, 
of investigation, of learning. 

Accordingly, during the earlier periods of the history of this 
church, the congregation enjoyed the labors of two ministers, 
one of whom was to instruct them with thoroughly studied 
sermons on the great problems of human life and salvation, the 
other to exhort them and visit them as a pastor. They did 
not expect both of these services from one and the same indi- 
vidual. They respected themselves too much to believe that 
they could be instructed by the easy labors of a man who was 
spending the greater part of his time in visiting them during 
the week. Their teacher they expected to be a student, and 
to make him such, they asked but one discourse a-week from 
him, and released him from the burden of pastoral visitations. 
What a contrast to the conduct of some few in our churches at 
the present day ! The duties of the teacher and pastor have 
been united ; the labors that were anciently assigned to two 
educated men, are now imposed upon one, and this too when 
the number of souls committed to his charge is twice as great, 
when the number of services expected from him on the Sab- 
bath and during the week is much greater, and when he is 
under a moral necessity of devoting no small portion of his 
time and thoughts to one or more of the great benevolent asso- 
ciations of the age. Some, however, are found complaining of 
their minister, because his sermons are not replete with such 
instruction and eloquence as would require at least a week's 
labor ; or else because his visits are not as frequent as they 
suppose his duty and his usefulness require. 

In addition to the teacher and pastor, each church was also 
supplied with a ruling elder, who was commonly an educated 
man, but did not derive a salary from his office. His duty was 
" to join with the pastor and teacher in those acts of spiritual 
rule, which are distinct from the ministry of the word and 
sacraments committed to them." 

The ruling elder of this church, and the only one it ever had, 
was Mr. John Greene, one of the most prominent and influen- 
tial inhabitants of the town, but of his election or ordination 
no record exists. He came to this country in 1632, and united 
with the church March 29, 1633, shortly after its organization, 
7 



50 

and was probably soon after chosen elder, since the records of 
the church are in his hand- writing from its formation down to 
the period of his death, which took place April 22, 1658. His 
hand-writing occurs frequently upon the records of the town as 
well as the church ; it is so distinct and beautiful, that it can 
be read with perfect ease even now after the lapse of more than 
two hundred years. His grave is on the highest part of the 
burying hill, and is covered by a tablet, which is now lying 
level with the ground and partly overgrown with grass at the 
foot of Harvard's monument. The tablet contains the follow- 
ing inscription. 

" Here lieth the body of Mr. John Greene, born at London 
in Old England, who married Perseverance, the daughter of 

Johnson, 1 in Amsterdam, by whom he had six 

children ; with whom and their children he came to Charles- 
town, in New England, in 1632, was ruling elder of the church, 
and deceased April 22, 165S, aged 65, leaving behind two sons 
and one daughter, viz., John, Jacob and Mary, who erected this 
monument to the memory of him and his wife, their father and 
mother." 

I shall carry the history of the church no farther in this dis- 
course than the close of Mr. Allen, the teacher's ministry. 
This took place about the year 1650. But there is no record 
left us of the exact time of his dismission, or of the causes 
which led to it. We have no reason, however, to think that 
there was any alienation of feeling between the teacher and his 
flock. Cotton Mather says that he approved himself a pious 
and painful minister of the gospel in this place, and was greatly 
beloved, as his name Allen imports, which is the English pro- 
nunciation of the Saxon word olivine, or beloved of all. After 
his return to England, he settled again in the ministry in the 
city of Norwich, but was again silenced in 1662 in consequence 
of non-conformity to the ceremonies of the church. After this 
he preached upon all occasions that offered, in a Congregational 
church in that city till the time of his death. September 21, 
1673, aged <)■">. 

Dr. Calamy says he was "a religious, able, practical preach- 

1 The Christian name of Mr. Johnson is obliterated from the tombstone, t think I can de- 
tect the finnl letter s however. This confirms me in the opinion that Rev. Francis Johnson, 
r ol 'lie English Puritan church in Amsterdam is meant; of whom, see notices in 
Young's Chronicles of the Pilgrims. 



51 

er." He composed and printed twice in this country a treatise 
entitled, " An invitation to thirsty sinners to come unto their 
Saviour." He also began a work in this country, which was 
highly spoken of for usefulness and learning, called a " Chain 
of Scripture Chronology," which he afterwards published in 
London, in 1659. 1 He also published a treatise on " The way 
of the Spirit in bringing souls to Christ," and several sermons 
on the glory of Christ, and the necessity of faith. There is 
also extant a letter of Mr. Allen's, dated Norwich, January 8, 
1652, in which he bears testimony to the reality of the pro- 
gress of the gospel among the Indians of New England, which 
seems at that time to have been called in question. 2 

From the period of Mr. Allen's admission to the church to 
May, 1650, one hundred and twenty-three persons were ad- 
mitted to the church. In the year 1651, when Mr. Allen 
returned to England, there are no admissions recorded. The 
number of baptisms registered is only seventy-three ; but the 
baptismal record is imperfect, stopping with September 20, 
1642, after which for a period of seventeen years but one or 
two records are made, and these seem to have been entered by 
Mr. Symmes. For what reason elder Greene ceased to enter 
the baptisms after 1642, while he continued to record admis- 
sions to the church until 1656, it is in vain to conjecture. 

Here I will drop the narrative, after I have given a descrip- 
tion of the town, written by Captain Johnson, while Mr. Allen 
was still teacher, about 1650. 

" The town of Charlestown is situated on the north side of 
Charles river, from which it took its name, the river being 
about five or six fathom deep ; over against the town, many 
small islands lying to the sea-ward of it, and hills on either 
side. By which means it proves a very good harbor for ships, 
which hath caused many seamen and merchants to sit down 
there. The form of this town, in the frontispiece thereof, is 
like the head, neck and shoulders of a man, only the pleasant 
and navigable river of Mystick runs through the right shoulder 
thereof, and by its near approach to Charles river in one place 
makes a very narrow neck, by which means the chief part of 

1 A copy of this work is in possession of llev. William Jenks, D. I)., of Boston, which was 
presented by the author to Governor Bellingham. and contains liis autograph. 
* 3 Hist. Coll. iv. 194. See Note 24. 



52 

the town, whereon the most building stands, becomes a penin- 
sula. It hath a large market place near the water-side, built 
round with houses, comely and fair, forth of which there issue 
two streets orderly built with some very fair houses, beautified 
with pleasant gardens and orchards. The whole town consists 
in its extent of about one hundred and fifty dwelling-houses. 
Their meeting-house for Sabbath assembly stands in the 
market place, very comely built and large ; the officers of this 
church are at this day one pastor, one teacher, and one ruling 
elder, and three deacons ; the number of souls about one hun- 
dred and sixty. Wonderful it is to see that in so short a time 
such great alterations Christ should work for these poor people 
of his. Their corn land in tillage in this town is about 1,200 
acres, their great cattle are about 400 head, sheep near upon 
400 ; as for their horse you shall hear of them, God willing, 
when we come to speak of their military discipline." * 

The same writer incidentally mentions "that a most terrible 
fire happened in Charlestown, in the depth of the winter of 
1650, and was blown by a violent wind from one house to 
another to the consuming of the fairest houses in the town." 
This is the earliest mention of devastation by an element from 
which this town has suffered more than any other in the Com- 
monwealth. 

I will bring this Lecture to a conclusion by just observing, 
that the brief account we have already given of the early his- 
tory of our fathers, shows with what singular earnestness and 
devotion they had consecrated themselves to the service of 
religion. Nothing more clearly evinces this than the constitu- 
tion of their churches. Out of their deep poverty, and when 
they were but a little band, they cheerfully supported two 
thoroughly educated men, that they might enjoy the fulness of 
the blessings of the gospel of Christ. No people, probably, 
ever made greater sacrifices than did our fathers for the support 
of religious institutions. " My fathers and brethren," says 
Higginson, pastor of the church in Salem, in 1063, " this is 
never to be forgotten that New England is originally a plan- 
tation of religion, not a plantation of trade. Let merchants 
and such as are increasing cent, per cent, remember tins. Let 

> 2 Hist. Coll. II. 8i». 



53 

others who have come over since at several times understand 
this, that worldly gain was not the end and design of the peo- 
ple of New England, but religion. And if any man amongst 
us make religion as twelve, and the world as thirteen, let such 
an one know he hath neither the spirit of a true Neio England 
man, nor yet of a sincere Christian." 



LECTURE III 



IKings viii. 57, 58. 

The lord our god be with is, as he was with our fathers: let him not 
leave us, nor forsake us: that he may incline our hearts unto him, to 
walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, 
and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. 

In the last Lecture Ave pursued the history of the church, 
down to the close of Mr. Allen's ministry in 1650. In 
following the thread of the narrative to the death of Mr. 
Symmes in 1670, I shall have occasion to call your attention 
to the first case of discipline on our church records, which 
resulted in the formation of the First Baptist church in Boston, 
and also to the origin and nature of the so called half-way 
covenant, which had its commencement in the provisions of 
the synod of 1662. 

After the return of Mr. Allen to England, the church was 
without a teacher until 1659, when the Rev. Thomas Shepard, 
son of the famous minister of the same name in Cambridge, 
was ordained to this office. For the period of eight or nine 
years therefore, Mr. Symmes was left alone in the ministry, 
with only such temporary assistance as the church were able 
to procure from time to time. 

Mr. Shepard was admitted to this church on the 31st of 
October, 1658, by a dismission from the church in Cambridge. 
The account of his ordination is thus recorded by Mr. Symmes 
under the date of 13th of April, 1659. 

" Mr. Thomas Shepard was ordained with prayer and fast- 
ing unto the office of a teacher to the church of Christ in 
Charlestown, by me Zachariah Symmes, pastor to the same 
church, Mr. John Wilson pastor to the church of Christ in 
Boston, and Mr. Richard Mather, teacher to the church of 
Christ in Dorchester, at the desire of our church joining with 



55 

me in laying on of hands upon the aforesaid Mr. Thomas 
Shepard ; and Mr. Norton, teacher to the church at Boston, in 
the name of the rest of the messengers of four churches, to 
wit of Boston, Roxbury, Cambridge, Watertown, giving unto 
him the right hand of fellowship." 

There was not perhaps among the many distinguished and 
excellent ministers in the days of our fathers, one more 
admired and beloved, than Thomas Shepard of Cambridge, 
who came to this country in 1635, bringing with him his 
infant son Thomas. He was received by the people with 
the greatest pleasure, and soon after his arrival, settled in 
Cambridge over a new church composed of the people that 
came with him and perhaps a few members remaining of the 
original church, who, with their pastor the Rev. Thomas 
Hooker, had gone to Hartford. Mr. Shepard died in 1649, at 
the age of 43, when his son Thomas was but a youth of 14, 
just completing his first year of collegiate study. He gradu- 
ated in 1653, and was one of the first fruits of the college, as 
well as one of the most distinguished of those who received 
their education in this country. He was born in London, 
April 5, 1635, but was baptized in New England in the follow- 
ing February. 

The settlement of Mr. Shepard was undoubtedly a happy 
one ; his father's reputation, and the kindred virtues of his 
own character, must have greatly excited the expectations of 
the people ; nor were these hopes disappointed, except by an 
early death, which cut him off in the vigor of life. But 
the period of Mr. Shepard's ministry was not one of entire 
harmony and peace. Religious differences, which had existed 
to some degree from the first, were becoming wider in the 
minds of the children of the new generation, who had never 
felt for each other that close sympathy, which bound the hearts 
of their fathers together, and which was the result of their 
common trials of faith and character. 

One of the most decided tendencies of the Puritan faith and 
worship, was to excite the activity of the mind, and impel 
individuals to an examination of their religious doctrines and 
usages. Nothing therefore might have been predicted with 
greater certainty, than that a diversity of speculative views 
would ensue, after the pressure of persecution had ceased to 



56 

unite them by keeping their minds directed to a common 
danger. But our fathers did not expect this, and they were 
not prepared to meet the emergency. They imagined that 
their views were so scriptural, and their principles of govern- 
ment so just, that all dissent and resistance must spring from 
impure motives. The age in which they lived, had not yet 
wrought out the problem how to unite toleration with a vigor- 
ous defence of the truth ; but they were upon the verge of 
that discovery, the twilight of the truth was about them, and 
hence the spirit of persecution appeared in them the more 
prominent and lamentable. 

The subject of controversy in the church at this time was 
baptism ; and when the somewhat casual and indecisive man- 
ner in which the Bible speaks of this rite, is considered, it is no 
wonder that a difference of opinion should exist in regard to it. 
Toleration on this point at least should be practised, as well as 
modesty in the expression of opinion. 

The earliest case of discipline on record, is that of Thomas 
Gould, a brother of this church, admitted to its communion 
June 7, 1640, who, together with Thomas Osborn, had em- 
braced the sentiments of the Baptists. He refused to bring his 
child forward for baptism, and in consequence of being ad- 
monished by the church, withdrew from its communion. The 
first account we have of the dealings of the church with him, 
is under the date of June 6, 165S. It was written by Mr. 
Symmcs — Mr. Green, the ruling elder, having died about two 
months before ; and as it is the only document left us by Mr. 
Sy mines — Mr. Shcpard, after his ordination recording the 
transactions of the church — I will transcribe it. It is also in- 
teresting and important in itself, inasmuch as it gave rise to a 
Baptist church, now the First Baptist church in Boston. 

" Upon the 6th of 4th, 1658. 

" Brother Thomas Gold, according to the agreement of the 
church the Lord's day before, was called forth to give an 
account of his long withdrawing from the public ordinances 
amongst us, on the Lord's day. It was asked brother Gold, 
whither he had any rule from God's word so to do? or whither 
it wore not a manifest breach of nili' and order of (lie gospel? 
" His answer several times was to this effect, thai he had not 



57 

turned from any ordinance of God, but did attend the word in 
other places. 

" It was then asked him, whither he did not own church- 
covenant, as an ordinance of God, and himself in covenant 
with this church ? 

" He answered he did, but we had cut him off, or put him 
away by denying to him the Lord's Supper, when only he had 
been admonished, and so now had no more privilege than an 
Indian, and therefore he looked not now at himself as a mem- 
ber of our church, but was free to go any whither. 

" He was likewise blamed, that having so often expressed 
his desire to attend any light that might help him in his judg- 
ment and practice, about children 's baptism; that yet he should 
forbear, and stay away, when he could not but know, that his 
pastor was speaking largely to that subject. He confest his 
wife told him of it : and being asked how he could in faith 
partake of the Lord's Supper, whilst he judged his own baptism 
void and null ? he OAvned it was so, as administered to him as 
a child ; but since God had given him grace, he now came to 
make use of it, and get good by it. It being replied that a 
person owned by all, as gracious, and fit for (the) Supper, is 
not yet to be admitted to it, till baptized : he said little or 
nothing to it, but spake divers things, generally offensive to the 
brethren, and would own no failing. Hence after much time 
spent, the brethren consenting, he was admonished for breaking 
away from the church, in way of schism, never having used 
any means to convince the church of any irregular proceeding, 
but continuing peremptorily and contumaciously to Justine his 
schism. 

" This transaction was speedily after the acting thereof 
truly recorded by the then only elder of this church ; Zech. 
Symmes, Mr. Green the ruling elder dying a little before." 

The course of discipline thus begun, was carried on for a 
series of years, and the several steps duly recorded by Mr. 
Shepard. Repeated admonitions were given by the church, 
but with no effect, until at length in 1665, Thomas Gould, and 
Thomas Osborn, together with a few other anabaptists, em- 
bodied themselves into a church ; after this they denied the 
authority of the church to summon them to appear before it, 
and gave three reasons for refusing to hold communion with 



58 

us, viz., " 1. Because of infant baptism. 2. Our allowing none 
but such as had human learning to be in the ministry. 3. 
Our severe dealing with those of a contrary judgment from us." 

Notwithstanding the refusal of these persons to appear, the 
church voted to wait upon them with longer patience ; and it 
was not until July, 1665, after repeated efforts made during a 
period of seven years, that they proceeded to the sentence of 
excommunication. 

It deserves to be remarked here, that this act of excommuni- 
cation was not passed against them, on the ground of heresy or 
a difference of views on the subject of baptism ; but solely, in 
the words of the vote, " for their impenitency in their schis- 
matical withdrawing from the church, and neglecting to hear 
the church." They had broken their covenant, and denied 
all connection with us ; and this is held now as much as 
formerly, to be a sufficient ground for the highest censure of the 
church. We freely concede that a difference of views upon 
the subject of baptism is not sufficient ground for excommuni- 
cation ; and there is no evidence that it was ever regarded as 
such by the church. Nor is there any reason why paedo and 
anti-paodo baptists should not commune together, unless such 
undue importance is given to baptism, as to lead the parties to 
deny each other's church membership. 

But the moderation of the church in their proceedings, 
evinces a better spirit than generally prevailed around them ; 
and although they partook to some degree of the spirit of per- 
secution, it is chargeable to ignorance and the temper of the 
age, rather than to bigotry and the love of persecution. 

Gould and his associates were arraigned before the court of 
assistants and admonished for their " schismatical rending of 
the communion of the churches," and " setting up a public 
meeting in opposition to the will of the magistrates." After this, 
they were imprisoned for disobedience to the laws of the colony. 
It is due, however, to the character of our fathers to state, that 
this execution of the laws by the public courts aroused a sense 
of injustice in their breasts. Several of the inhabitants of this 
place and Boston, sent in a petition to the Court, praying for 
favor in behalf of Gould and others, hut effected nothing, and 
subjected themselves to the censure oi the authorities. 



59 

After this a conference was held between the Baptists and a 
number of the ministers, among whom were the pastor and 
teacher of this church, in the Boston meeting-house ; but it 
failed to restore harmony of opinion. 

In concluding this brief account, it is due to the moral 
character of the persons thus excommunicated from this church, 
to say, that it was undoubtedly fair and Christian. Hubbard 
says, that " Thomas Gold and some of the rest, were men of a 
grave and serious spirit, and of sober conversations." l 

But while a few were restricting the privilege of baptism to 
adult believers, the people generally were studying how to 
extend it to the children of all baptized persons, whether in 
full communion with the church or not. 

When the first settlers came to this country, they were 
church members, and of course, their children were all bap- 
tized. But, in the language of Cotton Mather, "when our 
churches were come to between twenty and thirty years of 
age, a numerous posterity was advanced so far into the world, 
that the first planters began apace in their several families, to 
be distinguished by the name of grand-fathers : but among the 
immediate parents of the grand-children, there were multitudes 
of well disposed persons, who partly through their own doubts 
and fears, and partly through other culpable neglects, had not 
actually come to the covenanting state of communicants at the 
table of the Lord. The good old generation could not with- 
out many apprehensions, behold their offspring excluded from 
the baptism of Christianity, and from the ecclesiastical 
inspection which is to accompany that baptism ; indeed it was 
to leave their offspring under the shepherdly government of our 
Lord Jesus Christ in his ordinances, that they had brought 
their lambs into this wilderness." 2 

Hence arose the desire in a large and respectable portion of 
the community, to extend the privilege of baptism. They 
thought it "an Unwarrantable strictness, which would abandon 
the greater part of the country to heathenism, to make no 
ecclesiastical difference between pagans who might happen to 
hear the word of God in their assemblies, and those who were 
desirous of renewing their baptismal covenant, and who would 

i Note 25. 2 Mag. II. 238. 



60 

submit to church discipline ; but could not come up to that 
experimental account of their regeneration, which was required 
in order to admission to the sacrament." Accordingly the 
practice was growing up in our churches of admitting this 
class of persons to the privilege of household baptism. But 
the innovation met with such opposition, that a synod of elders 
and messengers from all the churches in the colony was called 
for ; and agreeably to the appointment of the General Court, it 
was convened at Boston in the spring of 1662. 

The influence which the decisions of this synod had upon 
the religious character and usages not only of this church but 
of the New England churches generally, was so great and so 
long continued, that I shall offer no apology for presenting to 
you a more particular account of this part of our history. 

The leading question submitted to the decision of the 
synod, was this ; — " Who are the subjects of baptism ? " 
But to this was joined another, " Whether, according to the 
word of God, there ought to be a consociation of churches, 
and what should be the manner of it ? " 

The answer to the first question, was given in seven propo- 
sitions, which were confirmed by extended arguments drawn 
from the Scriptures. 

The substance of these propositions was, — that l according 
to Scripture, the members of the visible church are subjects of 
baptism ; — that the members of the visible church are such as 
have made a profession of their faith in particular churches, 
together with their children, who are members of the same 
chmch with their parents, and when grown up are personally 
under the watch of that church ; — that these adult persons, 
however, are not to be admitted to full communion, merely 
because they are members, without any further qualifications ; 
but when they understand and publicly profess the faith, are 
not scandalous in life, and solemnly own the covenant before 
the church, giving up themselves and their children to the 
Lord, and subjecting themselves to the government of Christ 
in the church, their children are to be baptized.' This was 
the point upon which the opinion and practice of the churches 
differed, and in regard t<> which the controversy arose. 

The answer of the synod to the second question, seems to 
have been universally satisfactory. It asserted the lull power 



61 

and authority of each individual church, to administer all the 
ordinances of Christ, without being under any other ecclesiasti- 
cal jurisdiction whatever : it also laid down the duty of the 
communion of churches, denned its nature, and recommended 
a method of consociation, which was advisory rather than 
authoritative. 

The answers of the synod to the questions proposed, being 
returned to the General Court, were read over by them, and on 
the 8th of October, 1662, " commended to the consideration 
of all the churches and people of this jurisdiction," and for that 
end ordered to be printed. 

The action of this church, in respect to the result of the 
synod, is thus recorded by Mr. Shepard the teacher, and is the 
first entry made by him of the doings of the church. Feb- 
ruary 4, 1663. " The decision of the late synod about 
jcta£dZ*mJ was read, by the elders, at a church meeting (except 
the preface of the book containing that decisive act, which had 
been read before at a church meeting, January 7th, 1663, and 
generally approved) and liberty given to the brethren to express 
their objections (if they had any) against any part thereof: 
and after some discourse, the brethren did generally express 
themselves (at least three fourths of them by word of mouth) 
that they did consent to the whole book for the substance 
thereof, and desired that the will of God therein might be 
attended ; and upon a vote silentiary propounded, it was so 
carried, nemine contradicente, in the affirmative." 

The silentiary method of taking this vote — which was by 
calling upon those who dissented to express their objections — 
will account for the fact that it passed unanimously in the 
affirmative. There were, no doubt, some who disapproved of 
the change recommended by the synod, and there seems to 
have been a delay in carrying it into effect. For, under date 
of November 27, 1664, we find the following record by Mr. 
Shepard. " There having been many thoughts of hearts 
touching the doctrine of the late synod about the children of 
the church in order to the effectual practice of the same ; it 
was propounded to vote whether the brethren were satisfied so 
far forth as that there might be a proceeding to the practice 
thereof, and it passed in the affirmative by their silence (the 
testimony of their consent) after liberty was granted once and 



62 

again to any of them, that would, to object if they had any 
thing from the word of God to allege against it ; but there was 
not one contradicent." 

But while a good degree of unanimity was prevailing in this 
church, the people generally were much divided in their 
opinions. The church of Boston received the doctrine of the 
synod, and proceeded " to practice according to its recommen- 
dations ; but a considerable number of the brethren were dis- 
satisfied." ' A division was prevented, however, by the influ- 
ence of the pastor, the Rev. John Wilson, who had been a 
member of the synod, and subscribed its result. This venera- 
ble man died in 1667, and the church became vacant for the 
first time. 

Those who were a minority under Mr. Wilson, now became 
a majority, and succeeded in electing for his successor, the 
Rev. John Davenport, who was " the greatest of the anti- 
synodists." To this procedure a large and very influential 
portion of the church were opposed ; they were friends of the 
synod, and to the number of twenty-eight, seceded from 
the First church, and formed a new church, now known by 
the name of the Old South. This church was organized in 
Charlestown in the month of May, 1669, after having received 
the sanction of a council of ministers, who publicly testified 
their disapprobation of the conduct of the old church, among 
whom were Mr. Symmes and Mr. Shepard, the pastor and 
teacher of this church. 2 

This was the great event of the day. It occasioned much 
excitement, and divided the whole colony into two parties, the 
friends of the old and friends of the new church, the latter of 
whom were in favor of the synod, and the former against it. 
It was not long, however, before the churches settled down 
with great unanimity upon the practice recommended by the 
synod. 

Upon our records, besides the catalogue of persons in full 
communion, we have the " names of such children of the 
covenant, as have publicly renewed their covenant with God 
and this church, yet not taken into communion in the Lord's 
Supper ; " and in a separate list, the " names of such as have 

1 Hist, of First church. » Note 28. 



63 

been admitted into this church, but not unto full communion." 
The distinction between these two classes, seems to have been 
that the first were members of the church by infant baptism ; 
and the second were baptized at the time of their admission. 

On 16th July, 1665, Daniel Edmunds and three other per- 
sons, renewed their baptismal covenant, and were thus admitted 
to the privilege of baptism for their children, but not to the 
Lord's Supper. This practice was continued in the church 
until 1793 ; in the beginning of that year, a committee was 
appointed, consisting of Rev. Dr. Morse, Richard Devens, Esq., 
Dea. Larkin, Dea. Millar, Dea. James Frothingham, Mr. Joseph 
Hurd, Mr. Barnabas Barker, Dr. Putnam, and David Wood, 
Esq., to take into consideration the expediency of departing 
from this usage. Their report is interesting and valuable, as 
exhibiting the practical results of the " half-way covenant," as 
it is called, and the necessity that grew up for a return to the 
original practice of our churches. 

The committee, after ascribing the origin of their practice to 
the seven propositions of the venerable synod of 1662, and 
expressing their satisfaction with the plan, if it could be carried 
out according to the intention of its framers, although they 
regard the original principle of limiting the privilege of baptism 
to the children of communicants, as less liable to be abused, 
proceed to show in what respects their actual practice dif- 
fered from the one recommended by the synod. The synod 
regarded the children of believing parents baptized in infancy, 
not only as visible church members, but also as "personally 
under the watch, discipline and government of the church, of 
which their parents were members." And when they grew 
up, and renewed their covenant, and received the privilege of 
baptism for their children, they were required to subject them- 
selves to the discipline and government of the church. And 
when the plan of the synod was first carried into effect, privi- 
leges and obligations were united ; they who received baptism 
held themselves accountable to the discipline of the church. 
Accordingly, after the adoption by this church, of the plan 
recommended by the synod, we find accounts of the discipline 
of persons described as " children of the covenant, but not in 
full communion." The first case of discipline of this sort, 
deserves to be mentioned, as an evidence that the plan of the 



64 

synod in its true spirit and meaning, was, as stated in the 
report, essentially different from the half-way covenant of more 
modern times. 

" September 1, 1667. Our pastor," says the teacher, Mr. 
Shepard, " acquainted the church with the complaint which 
had been made to us concerning the scandal of Jno. Lowden, 
(our br. Serjeant Lowden's eldest son,) and that we had ex- 
amined it, (referring to his striking the constable and watch- 
man late in the night, when he was inflamed with dritik,) and 
that we intended according to rule to deal with him in a church 
way ; and that if any of the brethren had any thing to object 
against it they had their liberty ; but none replying, their 
silence was taken for a testimony of their consent that he 
should so be proceeded with." 

On the following Lord's day, agreeably to the usage of the 
fathers, " the assembly, before the pronouncing of the benedic- 
tion in the afternooon, was made acquainted with the offence 
in question, and the young man, being called forth, made con- 
fession of his sin." Inquiries were then made of him, and 
liberty given to the brethren to object if any of them were not 
satisfied. "At length," it was voted, "that the repentance 
held forth by the offender was satisfactory for the removing of 
the offence that had been given to the church, so that they 
would forgive him, and still confirm their love towards him." 
And "so it was declared by the eldership that he was re- 
stored." * 

This act of discipline seems to have been conducted in the 
spirit of kindness, and been productive of a salutary reforma- 
tion. And there is no reason to doubt, that in all similar cases, 
where the parents of the offender were in full communion, the 
watch and discipline of the church might have been exercised 
with equally good effects. But the difficulties in the way of 
administering discipline to those children of the covenant, 
whose parents were not communicants, were so great and 
numerous, that it was soon entirely neglected. 

" Baptized persons among us," say the committee, " have 
not been accustomed to consider themselves as church members, 



1 Six months after tins, he was admitted a member in full communion. He seems after- 
wards, however, to have relapsed into intemperance, for which lie was publicly admonished, 
July 26, 1LI71, anil excommunicated, January 10, 1615. 



65 

or subjects of the watch and discipline of the chinch ; nor have 
they for many years past, been thus considered and treated by 
the church. The consequence has been, that baptized persons, 
unregarded by the church as her children, have been suffered 
to grow up, and to live in the practice of scandalous sins, un- 
rebuked, and without any pains taken to reform them ; of 
course all difference between them and the unbaptized, so far 
as respects the great privilege of being under the watch and 
care of the church is destroyed, and this part of the church (if 
we consider them as members) has, in consequence of this 
neglect, become exceedingly corrupt." 

" These things being so," the committee were of opinion, 
that " an attempt at once to correct these abuses, and to revert 
completely back to the primitive practice, would in the present 
state of the minds of the people, produce unwarrantable schism 
in the congregation." 

They therefore conclude by recommending the following plan. 
" That persons wishing the privilege of baptism for themselves 
and their children, be propounded to the congregation, and if no 
objection be offered, they shall be entitled to the privilege by 
subscribing a 'Declaration of faith in the Christian religion.' " 
This plan was followed during the ministry of the Rev. Dr. 
Morse, but gradually fell into disuse, and was never acted upon 
after his dismission. Since that time, the uniform practice of 
our church has been what it was before the synod of 1662, to 
confine the privilege of household baptism to members of the 
church in full communion. 

The only occasional vote of the church I find recorded 
during this period, illustrative of primitive usages, is the fol- 
lowing : 

" April 22, 1666. A church act for the provision for the 
Lord's Table ; viz ; That at the beginning of every £ year, 
each communicant shall bring in 12d. to the deacon's box for 
the £ year that is to ensue respectively : and the year to begin 
(in order to this) the next sacrament day, which is May 6th, 
1666. Voted in the affirmative by the silence of the whole 
church." 

The venerable Symmes, the aged pastor of the church, was 
now drawing near the close of his long and faithful life. He 
was about seventy years old, and the infirmities of age having 
9 



66 

incapacitated him for the active performance of his duties, the 
church was led to seek another helper in the ministry. In the 
year 1669, the Rev. John Oxcnbridge, one of the most popular 
preachers and elegant writers of his time, was employed for 
awhile, and with so much acceptance, that a strong desire was 
manifested to secure his services in the ministry. On the 8th 
of October, 1669, " The church met at about 10 of the clock 
in the forenoon," and passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Oxen- 
bridge, "for his laboring in the ministry of the word among 
us hitherto ; " and " invited him to continue therein awhile 
longer among us every Sabbath day, that so the mind of God 
may be further discovered with reference to our intention (God 
willing : as the Lord shall make way in his and our hearts), 
in convenient time (being mutually satisfied in each other), to 
call him to office-work in this church.'' " It was also voted 
at the same time, that our honored magistrate Mr. Russell, 
Capt. Allen, and our deacons with the elders, would presently 
acquaint the Rev. Mr. Oxcnbridge with the aforesaid invitation." 
His answer, however, was in the negative : and they made 
a second attempt, " to take off Mr. Oxenbridge's reasons against 
abiding with us, and to gain his granting our request," but 
with no success, for they found he had the day before " left 
his answer with the elders of the First church in Boston, in 
the affirmative to their invitation of him to themselves, and 
that he was resolved to go over to them." Mr. Shepard has 
appended to this record, the initials D. R. ! (with a point of 
exclamation,) probably for Dens Regnat ! God reigns! — an in- 
dication of the severe disappointment the teacher and the 
church received from this decision. In the following spring 
Mr. Oxcnbridge became pastor of the Boston church, and died 
after a ministry of about four years. He was suddenly taken 
ill while preaching the Thursday Lecture. December 23, and 
died Dec. 28, 1674, aet. 65. 

Not long alter this unsuccessful attempt to secure the services 
of Mr. ( >\u abridge, the Rev. Zechariah Symmes died, February 
4, 1671, ' within a month of completing his seventy-second 
year, and in the thirty-seventh of his ministry. Mr. Symmes 
deserves, if any one, to be called the father of the church. He 

1 Noli: 27. 



67 

was ordained its teacher two years after its organization, and 
upon the dismission of Mr. James, became its pastor, and for 
a period of more than thirty years continued to discharge the 
duties of that office. He outlived most of those who ex- 
tended to him the hand of friendship, when he arrived at 
these infant settlements ; they had dropped away one after 
another ; a few white haired old men might still be seen ; 
but the more active and prominent men had been worn out 
by their severe privations, their anxieties and labors. The 
early planters of this town, who had settled him in the min- 
istry over them, were gone ; he had followed them one by 
one to yonder burying hill, and laid them down with words 
of prayer and consolation ; and now a new generation — the 
children he had baptized — were bearing him forth to sleep 
in the midst of the congregation with whom he had lived. 
There are few things, in the private journals of the time, 
more affecting than the allusions they contain to the burial of 
the last remains of that first generation. The funerals of those 
days were conducted with great solemnity, and attended with 
a degree of expense which the straitness of their circumstances 
could but ill afford. The early settlers regarded it as an im- 
perative duty to gather about the bier of each of their dimin- 
ishing number ; and it afforded them a melancholy pleasure 
to behold each other on occasions which seemed to re-unite 
them with their brethren who had departed. We can imagine 
we see one of these sable processions, as it moves slowly 
and silently along our streets ; slowly and almost impercep- 
tibly it advances, for the feeble and tottering are bearing a 
venerable form of their own to the tomb. We see them 
stand upon the burying-hill, their thin white locks floating 
upon the wind, and their trembling forms almost bending to 
the blast. The services ended, they seem reluctant to leave 
the familiar spot ; they revisit the graves of their brethren, 
notice every change in the yard, and look with solemn thought 
upon the spot where they soon shall lie ; they return to the 
house of mourning to recount the virtues of the departed — the 
scenes of trial and hardship through which they have passed — 
and then with the approaching darkness they separate, each 
feeling that for his own burial may be the next gathering of 
the fathers. It will be difficult for us to understand what 



68 

strength of attachment these patriarchs of New England felt 
for each other ; with what increasing interest they watched 
their rapidly waning ranks ; and how tenderly they grieved for 
one another, as a soldier for his companion in arms, and a 
Christian for his brother. 

There were bonds of sympathy between the old men of the 
first generation, which did not and could not exist between 
them and their children of the second, or such as had arrived 
at a subsequent period. And there were important differences 
of character also between the two generations. The warm- 
hearted and self-denying piety of the fathers, threw into the 
shade the harsher features of their character ; we reverence 
the one so much, that we readily cast the mantle of charity 
over the other. But their sons, as a generation, were not 
imbued with the same deeply religious spirit ; and yet, as the 
forms and excrescences of religion are frequently retained after 
the life is gone, they were characterized by many of the 
repulsive peculiarities of the fathers, unredeemed by their 
high moral principle. I do not mean to say, that the spirit 
of Puritan piety was extinct in the hearts of their sons. 
Far from it. But, as I shall have occasion hereafter to men- 
tion, a decline of spiritual religion had commenced, which in 
the first place rendered the provisions of the synod of 1662 
necessary, and afterwards perverted those very provisions to 
the still more rapid decay of practical godliness, and of the 
conservative influence of a watchful church discipline. 

Permit me to present an extract from a sermon, delivered by 
the minister of Dorchester, before the assembled clergy and 
legislators of Massachusetts, shortly before the death of Mr. 
Symmes. It will give us some idea of the points of difference 
between the first and second generations. In pressing his 
exhortation, the preacher directs his remarks distinctly, first, 
to the remainders of the ancient stock among us ; and, second, 
to the present generation. 

" First, unto those who are yet abiding with us of the first 
generation of the Lord's faithful servants, those plants of re- 
nown wherewith God set his garden here at the first. Let me 
speak a few words unto you, Fathers, because you have known 
that which was from the beginning. You have had a long 
and large experience of things; you have seen all the great 



69 

works which the Lord hath done for this people ; you have 
been long rooted and satiated in the house of the Lord : as you 
ought to be, and arc, so we esteem of you, and account you to 
be as a crown and an honor in the midst of us : trials you have 
seen, and trials you may yet further see, but your triumph is 
now at hand. You have by this time parted with most and 
the choicest of your contemporaries, your companions in the 
foundations of the work of Christ here ; and your eyes behold 
this day that another generation is risen up, and begin to stand 
thick upon the stage ; and that even of them, there is one, to 
whose lot it falls to speak to you in the name of the Lord this 
day. Now what is the sum of your desires, and would be the 
chief and top of your joys, as to those you must shortly leave 
behind you ? Is it not that your children after you may be 
found walking in the truth, owning the covenant of God, 
maintaining and upholding the same interest of holiness and 
reformation wherein you have been engaged before us. * * * 
As long as you are in this tabernacle, stir them up by putting 
them in remembrance, that they may be established in all those 
truths and practices, which to own and abide in hath been New 
England's glory, and must be its preservation and safety in 
whatever times are coming upon us. You know what exam- 
ples unto this purpose you have in Moses and Joshua and 
David ; the Lord plant in you the same love and zeal and care 
for the name of God and the welfare of your posterity, before 
you go hence and be seen no more." 

And then turning to his brethren and companions of the 
generation risen and rising, he says : 

" Look after the root of the matter in your souls. There 
are many outside custom-born Christians now-a-days. O let us 
get good sowid principles, for want whereof the profession of 
so many hath run itself out of breath, and broke its neck. It 
hath been said that a loose Protestant is fit to become a strict 
Papist. A formal ungrounded professor, he will be fit for 
Satan's turn in these days. Plead and improve the Lord's 
covenant with you, and in special your baptism, the first seal 
of that covenant, that you may be established and made faithful 
with the Lord therein. If we forget and neglect the Lord in 
that wherein he begins with us, and first visibly takes hold of 



70 

us, no wonder if we make no progress, but sit loose from God 
all our days. 

" Consider and remember always, that the books that shall 
be opened at the last day will contain genealogies in them. 
There shall then be brought forth a register of the genealogies 
of New England's sons and daughters. How shall we, many 
of us, hold up our faces then, when there shall be a solemn 
rehearsal of our descent as well as of our degeneracies ? To 
have it published whose child thou art will be cutting unto 
thy soul, as well as to have the crimes reckoned up that thou 
art guilty of." 1 

Mr. Symmes appears to have been held in esteem by his co- 
temporaries, and when we remember who they were, this is no 
small praise. In respect to ability and literary attainments, he 
appears to have been respectable ; but if we are authorized to 
form an opinion from the slender information we possess 
respecting him, he was more distinguished for his practical 
talents and general usefulness. " He knew his Bible well," 
says Cotton Mather, " and he was a preacher of what he knew, 
and a sufferer for what he preached." 

He was honorably interred at the expense of the town. His 
grave was " covered and set comlie," by a stone work laid in 
lime, together with a tombstone, procured by the selectmen 
and deacons, in compliance with a vote of the town. The 
epitaph, which is now entirely effaced by time, contained tl|e 
following distich : 

" A prophet lies under this stone : 
His words shall live, though he be gone." 2 

1 "New England's true Interest not to Lie." By Mr. W. Sloughton, preacher of the 
gospel in Dorchester. Preached in Boston, April 2'jtii, 1GG8. 

2 Note 28. 



LECTURE IV. 



Heb. xiii. 7, 8. 

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you 
the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their 
conversation : Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever. 

In our last Lecture we brought the history of the church 
down to the death of the Rev. Zechariah Symmes ; this event 
left Mr. Shepard, the teacher of the church, alone in the 
ministry ; the duties of which he continued to discharge with- 
out a settled helper till his death, in 1677. During this inter- 
val very little is to be gathered respecting our internal history. 
The church records only give evidence that discipline was 
faithfully maintained. From the town records a few miscel- 
laneous items may be gleaned, indicative of the spirit and 
usages of the fathers. Under date of March 31st, 1670, " By 
order of the selectmen it was left with our deacons to gratifie 
any minister called in to help Mr. Shepard on occasion of his 
weakness, and also that Mr. Shepard have £10 allowed him 
by the deacons in reference to entertaining of those who have 
been helpful to him for the time past." This vote was passed 
before the death of Mr. Symmes, and when the teacher, Mr. 
Shepard, was laid aside from his duties for a while in conse- 
quence of sickness. But I quote it as one of many evidences 
that the people procured for their pastor the assistance of a 
number of ministers, as they had occasion and opportunity. 
There is to be seen now in our burial ground the monument 
of the Rev. Thomas Gilbert, who came to this place from 
Scotland, in July, 1661, and soon after became the first minister 
of Topsfield. After his dismission from that church, however, 
he returned to this town, and probably assisted Mr. Shepard 
during the sickness and some time after the death of Mr. 



72 

Symmes. He died in Mr. Symmes's house on the 26th 
October, 1673.* 

After this the Rev. Joseph Browne, a minister of considera- 
ble distinction, was employed as an assistant to Mr. Shepard. 
He was the son of the Hon. William Browne, a merchant of 
Salem, and graduated at Harvard College, 1666, where he had 
a fellowship ; he died May 9th, 1678, shortly after receiving a 
call to succeed Mr. Shepard in the ministry. The church 
also enjoyed the occasional services of Rev. Daniel Russell, 
a native of this town, and " son of the worshipful Richard 
Russell/' who was admitted to the communion of the church, 
April 16, 1676. He graduated in 1669 at Harvard College, 
and was invited to succeed Mr. Shepard in the minis- 
try, but died January 4, 1679. Ten pounds were allowed 
by the selectmen, out of the sum his father had bequeathed to 
the church, towards his funeral charges. 1 

In the spring of 1672, the meeting-house was repaired and 
enlarged ; and in 1675, galleries were built, doubtless for the 
first time. 2 

In the month of May, 1672, Mr. Shepard preached by ap- 
pointment the election sermon. It was printed the following 
year at Cambridge, and is entitled " Eye salve, or a watchword 
from our Lord Jesus Christ unto his churches : especially those 
within the Colony of Massachusetts, in New England, to take 
heed of apostacy : or a treatise of remembrance of what God 
hath been to us, as also what we ought, and what we ought 
not to be to him, as we desire the prolonging of our prosperous 
days in the land which the Lord our God hath given us. By 

» Note 29. 2 Note 30. 

* The following epitaph, which Mather says, Mag. I. S-4-1-, 'was in his day to be read 
upon Mr. Gilbert's tomb in Charlestown/ is still legible. 

" Here is interred 

the body of thai reverend, sincere, zealous, devout and 

faithful minister of Jesus Christ, 

M R . I BOHAS ill. 1! k it r . 

somi't Pastor of the Church of Christ 

at Chedle, in Cheshire ; also sometime Pastor 

of the Church of Christ at Hling, in Old England : 

who was tlic proto-martyr. the first of the ministers that 

suffered deprivation, in the cause of non-conformity, 

in England ; ana after, betaking himself to 

New England, became Pastor of the 

Church (it Christ in Topsfield j 

and at surtj -three j ears of 

departed 
t hi ^ hie. 

Interred October 28, 1673." 



73 

Thomas Shepard, teacher of the church of Christ in Charles- 
town ; who was appointed by the magistrates to preach on the 
day of Election at Boston, May 15, 1672. Deut. viii. 10, 
&c. ; v. 32, 33. Cambridge : printed by Samuel Green, 1673." 

The sermon is a good specimen of the style of preaching of 
those days ; and especially instructive, as giving some clue to 
the moral condition of the people. The preacher alludes 
frequently to the rising sentiment in favor of toleration, but 
opposes it strongly. It is obvious that at that time, the great 
majority of the educated and influential classes, were decidedly 
opposed to the principle of toleration, but that its friends were 
sufficiently numerous and earnest to press its claims upon the 
attention of those who guided or executed the public sentiment. 1 
The text was taken from Jer. ii. 31, " O generation, see ye the 
word of the Lord : have I been a wilderness unto Israel ? a 
land of darkness ? Wherefore say my people, we are lords, we 
will come no more unto thee ? " 

After a long and labored explication of the text, he announces 
the doctrine, " That the undeniable experience which the 
covenant people of God have had of the Lord's being to them 
not a wilderness nor a land of darkness, but the contrary, 
should caution them never to incur the guilt of so unreasonable 
a sin and dangerous folly and provocation, as to revolt from 
under the Lord, or to be unwilling to return again in case they 
have begun to decline from him." This he supports by six 
reasons ; and from it derives three uses, which he carries out 
under many divisions and subdivisions. 

I will quote an extract from this discourse, under its third 
use, which was that of exhortation. 

" Let the schools flourish. This is one means whereby we 
have been, and may be still preserved from a wild wilderness 
state, through God's blessing upon the same, and from be- 
coming a land of darkness, and of the shadow of death. 
Cherish them therefore, and the college in special : and accor- 
dingly that there may be a seasonable (while affections are 
warm) and a faithful improvement of the contribution for the 
new edifice there, and what else is needful for the encourage- 
ment and advancement of learning in that precious society ; 



» Note 31. 

10 



74 

the fall and sinking whereof (which the Lord forbid) I should 
look at as presaging the ruin of this land also : Let it never 
want a benign aspect for the flourishing of that dear nursery ; 
lest otherwise there come to be either no ministry, or an illite- 
rate and (and in that respect in former times accounted) a 
scandalous and insufficient ministry, neither burning nor 
shining lights. Keep the good old way here experienced of a 
godly learned ministry, wherein the people of God have tried 
and found so much of the presence and glory of the Lord, 
crowning the same with so choice a blessing as he hath done : 
and God hath no need of a New Cart, or of Uzzah's hand to 
save the shaken ark ; nor did a good intention excuse him from 
death by God's immediate hand and stroke from heaven, when 
the Lord's institution is crossed in that matter. 

" 2. Let the liberties of the churches also be preserved and 
maintained ; for the church is as a light upon an hill ; the peo- 
ple of God are to shine as lights in the world ; therefore thereby 
also the land is instrumentally kept from being a land of dark- 
ness. Let the scripturally unworthy be debarred the holy 
things in the sacrament, and, which they have no right unto 
by rule. ' Pulsent fores,' said Cyprian of old, &c, though 
they bounce at the door, yet let them not have it opened to 
them, till duly qualified for the same. There is much and 
may be more danger of such bold-faced hypocrites ; and there- 
fore, O that no such intruders may be suffered to disturb and 
vex the dear people of the Lord in any of their just liberties ! 
and that a malignant spirit of prophaneness (which this poor 
people is in great hazard of feeling the woful impression of) 
may timeously be crushed, and so not permitted to blow out 
gospel light, even the lights of the sanctuary here. Nor let 
there be any ludibria vnedicorum spiritualium, or what may 
be any standing reproach to the healing ways and instruments 
of Jesus Christ here, seeing there is sufficient balm in Gilead 
provided by Christ for every spiritual disease in his church. 
Let not the way of the rigid Separatists, and the like, be acted 
over again here, till the churches be buried in confusion. In 
case of the divisions in churches, hath not the Congregational 
way balm for this wound appointed by Christ, but Morellius 
must be raked out of his grave to be the only physician ? 
" 3. Let the ministry (who also should be instrumental, in 



75 

their sphere, to keep this land from becoming a land of dark- 
ness) be duly encouraged. There have been and arc com- 
plaints this way respecting their outward subsistence in many 
places, (I bless the Lord I am not under any temptation therein, 
being liberally and abundantly well provided for by the good 
people I live among ; and therefore I may speak the more freely 
and boldly for others,) I fear there is too sad neglect in divers 
towns. It was a sign Nehemiah was away when the Levites 
were fain to go into the fields, Neh. xiii. 6, 10, 11, when they 
are forced to turn to the meadow, to the cart, and to the plow, 
&c, or else they cannot live, or at least not live out of tor- 
menting debt. Is this the fruit of God's being no wilderness 
to us ? O generation, see the word o£ the Lord. Mind the 
example of good Hezekiah, 2 Chron. xxxi. 4 ; he encouraged 
such ; ( O take heed that there be not on the other side found 
among us a discouraged ministry, respecting such I mean as are 
able and faithful ministers of the New Testament, who would 
gladly spend and be spent for their people ;) 'He commanded 
the people,' (it is there said) and it was not therefore left as an 
arbitrary thing, or as an alms ; and mind the fruit of it, i. e. 
v. 10, ' Since the people began to bring their offerings into the 
house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat ; for the Lord 
hath blessed his people, and that which is left is this great 
store.' If particular churches or towns are really not able to 
supply the necessity of him that ' labors in the word ' among 
them, should not such a poor people be relieved ? might it not 
do well if some additional provision were made out of some 
public bank or stock for an honorable relief of such ? and that 
thereby we ' bear one another's burdens ' ? and ' be we not de- 
ceived, God is not mocked ' in this very matter. Gal. vi. 6, 7 ; 
1 Cor. ix. 14 ; Ezra vii. 24, &,c. Mast they be rated will and 
doom ? Ah, when men's hearts die to the word, no wonder if 
they soon die to the dispensers of it : and then ' what means 
this waste ? ' and proud, covetous, disingenuous, unwise, cap- 
tious, carping, bold, selfish spirits and principles will be stirring : 
and ' let us take turns to preach,' (and to govern the church 
also as moderators in it,) 'rather than have this costly ser- 
vice ? ' And ' what a weariness is it ? ' &c. If it must be 
so, should we wonder if the Lord take them away that are 
such a charge, and ease people of such a burden ? Oh, l muz- 



76 

zle not the mouth of that 'ox that treadeth out the' spiritual 
'corn.' And though anti-christian begging friars live by 
alms, yet let it not be said of a Protestant people, or of these 
churches, that they are so sordid in their spirits as to truckle 
under a mendicant ministry ; and that will be a flattering and 
an unfaithful ministry at length, that is made to bow under the 
temptation of ' needing the alms of the people i ' and remember 
that a person or people may become guilty of sacrilege by 
withholding what is due this way, as well as by robbing or 
taking away that which is already dedicated or given in to 
God, Mai. iii. 8, and that withholding is there called robbery ; 
though I am far from pleading here for the quota pass there 
spoken of in particular, but only as to the sin in general, the 
apostle ranks it with, yea aggravates that sin of sacrilege above 
idolatry in the New Testament. Rom. ii. 22." 

The ministry of Mr. Shepard, as I have before said, was 
destined to be a short one. In the year 1677, the small pox 
prevailed very extensively in this place, and caused great 
mortality. 1 At that time it was so little under the control of 
medicine, that like the plague it spread death and consternation 
on every hand. To discharge the duties of a pastor at such a 
juncture, was to incur the loss of life. But Mr. Shepard, who 
since the death of the venerable Symmes had faithfully per- 
formed all the duties of a pastor to his people, was not deterred 
from continuing to discharge them in the midst of these 
dangers. One of his flock was taken with the disorder, and 
desired a visit from him. He went with his life in his hand, 
expecting to be arrested by the fatal contagion ; as an elegy 
upon his death expressed it, 

" Rather than run from his work, he chose to die, 
Running on death, sooner than duty fly." 

" Behold," says Mather, "a shepherd, who was l vir sui nomi- 
nis. ,,v a man whose name expressed at once his character 
and his office. 

"He tranquilly fell asleep in the Lord Jesus," says the 
Latin epitaph 2 upon his tombstone, " on the 22nd December, 

1 The names of niiH'ty-rme persons arc registered as having died of this disease during the 
winter of 16T1 and a in this town, and a special order was passed bj (he selectmen (hat die 
bell should on no account be tolled more than three times a day, because of the discouraging 
effect it had upon those who were sick of the small pox. 

* Note 32. 



77 

1677, in the 43rd year of his age, wept over by the tears of all 
New England; and evermore to be lamented." He is described 
to have been " a very holy man, much distinguished for his 
erudition, his various virtues, and winning manners ; a learned 
theologian, and eminent preacher : in his faith and life a true 
bishop : a meritorious promoter of the cause of letters, having 
been a watchful guardian of Harvard College, and a primary 
fellow of the academical government. He sought not his own, 
but the things of Jesus Christ." 

The following verses were also inscribed upon his tomb. 

Let fame no longer boast her antique things, 

Huge pyramids and monuments of kings : 

This cabinet that locks up a rare gem, 

Without presumption may compare with them. 

The sacred reliques of that matchless one — 

Great Shepard, — are enshrined below this stone. 

Here lies entombed an heavenly orator, 

To the great King of kings embassador : 

Mirror of virtues, magazine of arts, 

Crown to our heads and loadstone to our hearts : 

Harvard's great son, and father too beside, 

Charlestown's just glory and New England's pride : 

The church's jewel, college's overseer, 

The clergy's diadem without a peer : 

The poor man's ready friend, the blind man's eyes, 

The wandering wildered soul's conductor wise : 

The widow's solace, and the orphan's father, 

The sick man's visitant, or cordial rather : 

The general benefactor, and yet rare 

Engrosser of all good; the man of prayer ; 

The constant friend, and the most cheerful giver, 

Most orthodox divine and pious liver : 

An oracle in any doubtful case, 

A master-piece of nature, art and grace. 

In this bed lie reposed his weary limbs ; 

His soul's good company for seraphims. 

If men be dumb in praising of his worth, 

This stone shall cry, for shame ! and set it forth ! 

And then as if these lines were altogether unworthy of 
their subject, a Latin distich is added, which declares emphati- 
cally, ' that if no verses but such as were worthy of Shepard, 
should be inscribed upon his tomb, it would be left with- 
out any.' 

" Si Sheparde tuo, nisi quas sint digna sepulchro, 
Carmina nulla foreut, carmina nulla foreut." ' 

i Mather's Mag. b. 4, ch. iv. 



78 

But notwithstanding the turgid extravagance of the epitaph, 
the warmth and energy of its expressions afford sufficient 
evidence that Mr. Shepard was held in the highest esteem and 
affection by his cotemporaries. He seems to have been beloved 
as well as admired. Cotton Mather tells us that " the whole 
country was filled with lamentations upon his decease ; " and 
many expressed their feelings in the language of one of the 
many elegies bestowed upon him : 

" Next to the tears our sins do need and crave, 
I would bestow my tears on Shepard's grave." 

At the next commencement, the Rev. Urian Oakes, Presi- 
dent of the College, and the particular friend of Mr. Shepard, 
pronounced a warm-hearted and eloquent eulogium upon his 
character, in the course of a Latin oration, delivered before the 
alumni and officers of the institution. From this tribute to 
his memory, we learn that "he was possessed of undissembled 
piety and uncommon learning, united with modesty, amiable 
manners, and noted industry. His countenance was grave ; 
his words well-considered and weighty ; and his gestures be- 
coming and unaffected. He was of a very sedate turn, sin- 
cere and open, possessed of a fertile mind, and a penetrating 
judgment, and distinguished for the mildness and sweetness of 
his manners." l 

Mr. Shepard's will has been preserved in the probate office, 
and bears date, June 5, 1676. It commences as follows : 

"I, Thomas Shepard, being, through the Lord's mercy, in 
good health at this present, yet not knowing how soon my 
earthly house of this tabernacle may be dissolved, do therefore 
make my last will and testament as followeth, viz. committing 
my soul into the everlasting arms of my dear and blessed 
Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ, and believing the glorious 
resurrection of my body (after its decent interment) at the 
last day ; and also leaving my dear wife, and my beloved 
children Thomas, Anna, and Margaret, to him who is the God 
of the widow and the fatherless, and is ever mindful of his 
covenant, and [asj lie hath been my father's God and mine, so 
let him be theirs and their portion forever." 

> Note 33. Mather's Magnaha, II. 101 



79 

He left his books and writings to his son Thomas ; and 
bequeathed £5 apiece to his aged and honored schoolmaster, 
Mr. Elijah Corlet of Cambridge ; to his honored guardian Capt. 
Daniel Gookin, whom he chose at his father's death, when a 
lad of fourteen ; to his brother Jeremiah, and to his cousin 
Thomas Graves ; and to this church, " my dear Lord's precious 
flock" — the money to be expended for pieces of plate. The 
will concludes with the Latin and Greek words, " Pasce oves, 
Domine Jesu, dgxinoi/iev." His estate was apprised to be worth 
£2,386 ; his library, £100. 

Thomas, who is mentioned in the will, succeeded his father 
in the ministry, as will be mentioned hereafter. Anna Shep- 
ard was married to Daniel Q,uincy 3 and became the maternal 
ancestor of the venerable ex-president of the United States, 
their son, John Quiiicy, being the person after whom he was 
named. 1 

The death of Mr. Shepard left the church without a minis- 
ter for the first time. This vacancy continued for more than 
two years, during which, an unhappy division grew up among 
the people, and the church were unable to unite in calling a 
minister. They appear, however, to have united in extending 
a call to the Rev. Joseph Brown, already mentioned, but he 
declined for some reason, and removed to Boston. After this 
a call was given to Mr. Daniel Russell, of whom also mention 
has been made ; but to this a minority were so strenuously 
opposed, that a council was found necessary to compose the 
difference. Some very curious papers 2 have been preserved, 
respecting this case, in a collection by John Winthrop, first 
governor of Connecticut, whose brother-in-law was scribe of 
the council. 

The council was formed on the 5th of November, 1678, 
and among their names may be found those of the governor and 
others most distinguished both in church and state. 

One of the papers preserved is entitled, " A Brief Narrative 
of some of the most considerable Passages of this Church, and 
their several Committees acting since the death of our dear 
and revered Teacher, Mr. Thomas Shepherd, who departed 
this life the 22nd Dec. 1677." " This declaration was pre- 



i Note 34. 2 3 Hist. Coll. I. 



80 

sented by the church, and after reading in the public meeting, 
was then voted by them as the substance of transactions in this 
matter." 

From this official document, it appears, that soon after the 
death of Mr. Shepard, the church extended a unanimous call 
to Mr. Joseph Brown, as has been stated. After this, the com- 
mittee were desired " to provide transient help for carrying on 
the worship of God on the Lord's days ; and likewise some of 
the brethren desired, that they would use means to obtain a 
settled supply as soon as might be." At this time the com- 
mittee had in view "Sir Shepard," — the son of their late 
pastor, and "agreed to invite him to preach with us one ser- 
mon, that so, having a taste of the gifts and graces of God 
bestowed upon him, that then they might have the precedency 
of any other people in that matter. But it was concluded that 
they must apply themselves to the obtaining an officer sooner 
than he was like to undertake such a work." For this pur- 
pose the neighboring ministers were applied to for advice who 
might be the fittest man to propound to the church. " Capt. 
Laurence Hammond, Mr. John Heman, and James Russell, 
went to Watertown Lecture, and after lecture, went to the 
house of Mr. Sherman, where was also Mr. Willard of Boston ; 
to whom they declared the matter, and desired their advice. 
Mr. Willard mentioned Mr. Woodbridge of Hominossett ; but 
they replied, they were not willing to rob any place. Mr. 
Sherman then mentioned Mr. Daniel Russell, and Mr. Isaac 
Foster, and then concluded that Mr. Foster, was the fittest 
person they could think of at present. The Committee 
next went to Rev. Mr. Oakes's house, the President of Har- 
vard College, and he recommended Mr. Foster. Accord- 
ingly Mr. Foster was propounded to the church the next 
Sabbath day. Nothing was said at this time about asking the 
concurrence of the young Mr. Shepard, and this subsequently 
became one of the sources of grievance on the part of the dis- 
senting brethren. At the same time, liberty having been 
given to the church to propose any other person, the following 
candidates were nominated, Mr. Daniel Russell, Mr. Thomas 
Shepard, Mr. Samuel Nowell, Mr. Zechary Sims, Mr. Gershom 
Hubbard," (Hobart.) The church were desired to signify their 
choice at the next church meeting. 



81 

On the 19th May, 1678, Mr. Shcpard preached his first ser- 
mon. 1 The week following, some were in favor of proceeding 
to give him a call, but Mr. Thomas Graves opposed it as being 
likely to prejudice his interests, and then it was concluded to 
endeavor to obtain another officer sooner than young Shepard 
was likely to be prepared. 

On June 9, it being Sabbath, the church was staid in the 
evening, and Mr. Thomas Graves inquired of the church, if 
they had determined respecting any of the candidates men- 
tioned. "Then Mr. Elias Maverick began, and propounded 
Mr. Daniel Russell, a person, whose parents were honorable 
amongst us, and he was brought up with us, and is one of this 
church, that we have had good satisfaction in, he judged to be 
a meet person. In this nomination, most of the brethren 
agreed. The committee were called upon to speak ; some 
concurred, but Capt. Hammond declared that he judged it 
unreasonable, that they should be urged so suddenly to declare 
their thoughts, alleging that it was imposing upon them. ; ' 
After some discussion the meeting was adjourned to meet again 
after an interval of sixteen days. 

At the next meeting, Mr. Shepard was propounded to be the 
first man to be called to office. This gave rise to a debate, the 
majority supposing that the meeting was called in reference to 
Mr. Russell. " Capt. Hammond intimated that they would run 
a hazard of losing Mr. Shepard, if they proceeded to call 
Mr. Russell. Most were for calling both Mr. Russell and 
Mr. Shepard at that time. But it was declared by Capt. Ham- 
mond, Mr. Graves, and Dea. Ludkin, that the church's pro- 
ceedings were irregular, unreasonable, and out of the way of 
God." This gave rise to much discussion and excitement, 
and "so the meeting broke up without concluding anything." 

On the 22nd of July, the matter was referred to the church, 
the committee being divided, four being in favor of extending 



1 He was at this time not quite twenty years of age. It was not five months since the 
death of his father; and he rose in the place from which his father bad so recently fallen, to 
address his father's flock, — among whom he had been born, baptized, and nurtured. It 
must have been a solemn and affecting occasion, hardly less so to the people than the youth- 
ful preacher. With a judgment as much evincing his good taste as his filial affection, he 
chose for the text of his first discourse the following highly appropriate words : " He is my 
father's God, and 1 will exalt him." Ex. xv. 2. With such a text and on such an occasion 
he could not have failed to be eloquent. We are told that " he discoursed with a very 
charming, solid, and serious gravity." 
11 



82 

a call to Mr. Russell and Mr. Shepard, and five against it. 
After some discussion who should be put to vote first, although 
the eyes of the church were upon Mr. Russell for present sup- 
ply, yet, hoping to gratify some, it was agreed that Mr. Shep- 
ard should be first voted, provided both were voted at that 
time. Accordingly both were called to the work of the 
ministry. 

The next Lord's day, the congregation were staid to desire 
their consent to the action of the church. Mr. Shepard, in 
answer to the call, " thankfully acknowledged the church and 
town's love to his honored father and himself, and gave them 
very good encouragement that they might in time enjoy his 
help." Mr. Russell replied that he was willing to help them 
at present in the work of the ministry. And the church 
returned him thanks for his acceptance as far as he had ex- 
pressed it, and desired him to continue in the work of the 
ministry amongst us." 

The dissenting brethren being still dissatisfied, the majority 
decided upon calling a council ; and the three churches in 
Boston, together with those of Cambridge and Watertown 
were invited. 

The reasons for dissent presented to the council by the 
minority were the following. 1. They judged their brethren 
to have been too undeliberate, over-hasty, and precipitate in 
their motions for Mr. Russell. 2. They had not used any 
means to see whether Mr. Shepard could freely and cheer- 
fully join with Mr. Russell in the work of the ministry. 
3. They judged that, " although Mr. Russell might be of good 
use in the work of the ministry in some other place, he was 
not so meet for the managing of the work of a church officer 
in this place ; and consequently, that it is neither safe for the 
church to call him thereunto, nor for him to accept thereof." 
These reasons of dissent were signed by " Laurence Ham- 
mond, Thomas Graves, Jonathan Hayman, Aaron Ludkin, 
Samuel Ward." 

With the result of council upon these particular premises, 
we are not acquainted. Whatever it might have been, the 
subject of contention was soon removed by the providence of 
God, for Mr. Russell died a few months after, in January, 
1079. This event left Mr. Shepard alone before the eyes of 



83 

the people, and he appears to have been quietly ordained in a 
little more than a year after. 1 His ordination is thus recorded 
by himself on the baptismal register. " I was separated unto 
the work of the ministry, and ordained pastor of this church, 
5th May, 1680. Pasce oves, 6 noiftev tf/isyag." 

It will be seen by this record that Mr. Shepard did not suc- 
ceed his father to the office of teacher ; this office was never 
again filled by an officer especially ordained to the work. 
After this time the distinction seems to have been lost. But 
Mr. Shepard was not ordained to both offices ; and especial 
assistance seems to have been afforded him towards the supply 
of the pulpit. 

Upon the town books, under the date of September 1, 1679, 
we find the following minute. " Mr. Thomas Shepard having 
accepted to carry on the work of the ministry in this town : it 
is therefore ordered that he shall have £100 per annum, and 
the usual allowance to be given to what transient help he 
see cause to get for the supply of the ministry in this town." 
And April 5, 1680. It was " ordered, that there be allowed 
10s. per every sermon that is preached by strange ministers." 

Mr. Shepard was ordained by Mr. Sherman of Watertown, 
and received the right hand of fellowship from his father's 
bosom friend, President Oakes. According to the uniform 
practice of the time, Mr. Shepard pleached his own ordination 
sermon. He took his text from Hebrews xiii. 20. " That 
great Shepherd of the sheep." An introductory sermon ap- 
pears also to have been delivered, which probably occupied 
the place of our modern "address to the people," and 
" charge ; " this discourse was founded upon Ez. xxxiii. 7, 
"Son of man I have set thee a watchman." It concluded in 
the following manner : — "Be much in prayer for your watch- 
man, and particularly for him, who is this day to be established 
in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ among you ; you have 
honored yourselves in thus expressing the love and honor 
which you had for his excellent father ; and as it was said in 
Ruth h. 20, — ' Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off 
his kindness to the living, and to the dead;' so I will say to 
you, Blessed be this church of the Lord, that you show kind- 

• Note 35. 



84 

ness unto your dead pastor, and to his living son. As for him, 
that is now to become your watchman, he needs your prayers ; 
I may say of him as David of Solomon, 'My son is young 
and tender, and the house is magnificent.' I know not 
whether any so young as he, was ever left alone with such a 
charge. Now though the tvork be great, yet the Lord Jesus 
Christ is able to carry him well through it all ; but it must be 
through the help of your prayers, that he comes to have such 
a supply of the Spirit. Pray for him in particular, and that 
every day ! Who knows what God may do for you, in him, 
and by him, as in and by his father before him ? Let it be 
your prayer, that he would take of the Spirit that was in his 
fit her and grandfather ; who were both of them great men in 
their generation, and bestow thereof a double portion upon him. 
And let that word encourage you, ' My Spirit which is upon 
thee, and my word which I have put into thy mouth, shall not 
depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, 
nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord.' " 

Cotton Mather, who was an intimate friend of Mr. Shepard, 
and only two years his junior in college, has devoted a some- 
what extended chapter to his life ; and it will perhaps be the 
most appropriate conclusion of the present Lecture to derive 
from this source some account of his early education. 1 

Mather says, in speaking of the three Shepards of New 
England, that " there was such a similitude of spirit, descend- 
ing from the father to the son, and from the son to the grand- 
son in this holy generation, that albeit they were all of them 
severally short-lived, the two first not living more than forty, 
and the last not so much as thirty years, yet there might be a 
sort of jointed longevity ascribed unto the generation ; for 
when the father went away, non totus recessit, (he did not 
entirely depart,) we had him still surviving to the life in the 
posterity." 

The youngest of the three, and the last of the name, was 
born in this place on the 3d July, 1658 j he is the only one of 
our ministers who was a baptized child of this church, having 
received this ordinance on the 4th of the same month, shortly 
before his father's ordination as the teacher of the church. 

1 Mngnalia, b. IV. chap. ix. 



85 

The date of his admission to the full communion of the church 
has not been preserved ; for inasmuch as it occurred after his 
father's death, and while the church were without a minister, 
there was no officer to keep the records of the church. It was 
the practice of the earlier days to give a verbal, or more com- 
monly, a written account of the candidate's experience before 
approaching the Lord's Supper. 

Mather has preserved a portion of his address to the 
church on this occasion ; and as it is interesting, I will quote 
the whole of it. " As to the thing of that which is commonly 
called first conversion or regeneration, I have had many 
thoughts about it ; but have been afraid, and am still, to deter- 
mine it unto this or that particular. What I have found by 
myself, hath made me oftentimes to question, whether the 
former operations of the Spirit of God about me, were any 
more than common ; or whether such and such sins were con- 
sistent with saving grace ; that which hath helped me in this 
case, hath been partly, what I have heard from a reverend man 
of God, c that such as are from time to time disquieted with 
such thoughts, the best, if not the only way to put it out of 
doubt, that they have true faith is by exercising faith, to con- 
vert again unto God.' And putting my soul in the way of the 
breathings of God's Spirit, and then observing the actings 
thereof, I have by the help of the same Spirit, found something 
of relief under those doubts. On my childhood and youth, I 
have too much cause to say (as Solomon of the things of this 
world) vanity of vanities, all is vanity ! Yet by the blessing 
of God on the faithful endeavors, and fervent prayers of my 
religious parents ; especially on my honored, blessed, and most 
exemplary father, who of all as the most able to further, so was 
most solicitous, studious and tenderly careful always about the 
everlasting well-being of a son, from the very beginning of my 
days, to the end of his, I do think I was by precept and holy 
example, imbued with a natural love and liking to the ways of 
God ; though not saving, yet such as whereby a prejudice 
against religion was prevented." 

Young Shepard, while yet a child, was remarkable for his 
diligence, and love of study ; his memory was so retentive, that 
on the evening of the Lord's day he was wont to repeat all the 
heads of the longest sermons preached in public, and when the 



86 

length, as well as the multitudinous divisions, which characte- 
rized the pulpit discourses of that period, are remembered, this 
will be acknowledged a notable instance of attention and 
memory in a boy. 

I must also trespass upon your patience to give briefly a 
sketch of the paternal counsels given Mr. Shepard upon his 
admission to college, inasmuch as they will reflect light upon 
the character of both father and son. Thomas entered college, 
just as he had completed his fourteenth year ; and his father, 
to secure his beloved and only son from the temptations of a 
college life, gave him a paper of written instructions, imitating 
in this particular the example of his own father, Thomas 
Shepard, of Cambridge. The sum of these instructions to his 
son was, 

1. To remember that the great end of his life was to glorify 
God through Christ, and of this period of preparation to fit him 
for the most glorious work of the holy ministry. " For this 
end, your father hath set you apart with many tears, and hath 
given you up to God that he might delight in you. And (he 
wrote) I had rather see you buried in your grave, than grow 
light, loose, wanton, or profane. God's secrets in the holy 
Scriptures are never made known to common and profane 
spirits ; and therefore be sure you begin and end every day, 
wherein you study, with prayer to God ; reading some part of 
the Scripture daily, and setting apart some time every day 
(though but one quarter of an hour) for meditation of the things 
of God. 

" 2. Remember that these are times of much knowledge, 
and therefore one had almost as good be no scholar, as not to 
excel in knowledge ; wherefore abhor one hour of idleness, as 
you would be ashamed of one hour of drunkenness. Though 
I would not have you neglect seasons for recreation a little 
before and after meals, and though I would not have you study 
late in the night usually, yet know that God will curse your 
soul, while the sin of idleness is nourished, which hath spoiled 
so many hopeful youths, in their first blossoming in the college. 
Hence don't content yourself to do as much as your tutor sets 
you about, but know, that you will never excel in learning, 
unless you do somewhat else in private hours, wherein his care 
cannot reach you." 



87 

3. He gave him several directions " to make his studies as 
pleasant and fruitful as could be," telling him that " reading 
without meditation will be useless ; meditation without reading 
will be barren. But here I would not have you forget a speech 
of your blessed grandfather to a scholar, that complained to 
him of a bad memory, which discouraged him from reading, 
' Lege, lege, aliquid hmrebit.'' That sentence in Proverbs, 
(xiv. 23,) deserves to be written in letters of gold upon your 
study table, 'In all labor, there is profit.' Pray much not only 
for heavenly but also human learning ; for remember that 
prayer at Christ's feet, for all the learning you want, shall fetch 
you in more in an hour, than possibly you may get by all the 
books, and helps you have otherwise, in many years." 

4. In the fourth place, he exhorted him to be grave and 
kind in his carriage towards all the scholars ; and warned him 
against certain vices of many scholars. 

" 5. Remember to intreat God with tears, before you come 
to hear any sermon, that thereby God would powerfully speak 
to your heart, and make his truth precious to you. Neglect not 
to write after the preacher always in handsome books, and be 
careful always to preserve and peruse the same. And upon 
Sabbath days, make exceeding conscience of sanctification ; 
mix not your other studies, much less vain and carnal discourses 
with the duties of that holy day, but remember that command, 
Lev. xix. 30, ' Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my 
sanctuary, I am the Lord.' 

" 6. Remember that whensoever you hear, read, or conceive 
any divine truth, you study to affect your heart with it, and 
the goodness of it. Take heed of receiving truth into your 
head, without the love of it in your heart, lest God give you 
to strong delusions. If God reveal any truth to you, be sure 
you be humbly and deeply thankful." 

These excellent instructions his father concluded with these 
words. " My son ! if thine heart be wise, my heart shall re- 
joice, — even mine." 

The solicitudes and labors of a father, thus wise and faithful, 
were not in vain. Mather says, that no part of his friend's 
character was more conspicuous than this, A reverence for the 
person and advice of his father ; and that the whole of his 
academic life may be abridged into this brief account, that he 



88 

did make the heart of his worthy father to rejoice by his con- 
scientious and exemplary attendance upon these instructions. 
Whenever he had occasion to speak of them, it was in these 
terms, " My, next to Christ, most beloved father's advice." 

Such, my hearers, was the character of the father and son, 
under whose joint ministry, of about twenty-five years, this 
church and town were guided into the green pastures and be- 
side the still waters of salvation. They were men, we have 
reason to believe, faithful to God and to their generation ; long 
since have they ceased from their ministry, and entered upon 
their reward. They are now in heaven with the seals of their 
ministry and the crowns of their rejoicing. They are now 
before the throne of God above ; and there they . have been 
together, father and son, pastors and people, for more than one 
hundred and fifty years ; but oh ! how short a period is this to 
be in heaven ! 

And how glorious a place is heaven ! When we look upon 
it as the present residence of the living spirits of those, who in 
every age have loved the cause of God, and man's salvation, 
how desirable its society ! It would be delightful to meet with 
them now, as they were when they left the earth ; but what a 
change has passed over their minds and spirits since ; they are 
indeed the same persons, who were born, renewed, and dis- 
ciplined here on earth, but all else how changed ! There every 
tear is wiped away, there the source of tears is dried up, igno- 
rance is dispelled in the light of heaven, the crooked made 
straight, every imperfection and every infelicity of temper 
chased away like clouds before the sun. To meet such minds 
now, to receive the fellowship and communion of hearts thus 
rich in the experience of centuries in heaven ; what joy, what 
completion of all our hopes and aspirations ! Blessed be God, 
for the comfortable doctrine of the communion of saints ; and 
everlasting thanks, that by faith and patience through the same 
Saviour, we may tread in their footsteps, and rise to their in- 
heritance of glory ! 



LECTURE V. 



Zechariah i. 5. 
Your fathers, where are they ? and the prophets, do they live forever 7 

In the conclusion of the last Lecture, some account was given 
of the early education of the Rev. Thomas Shepard, third, and 
his ordination to the pastoral office over this church. Before 
proceeding to detail the few events we possess respecting his 
brief life and ministry, it is necessary to call your attention to 
the synod of 1679 and 80, the fourth and last General Council 
held by the Churches of this Commonwealth. The causes 
that gave occasion to the calling of this synod, were the severe 
and repeated judgments of God, which reminded the people of 
their departures from the strict principles and practices of their 
fathers. 

The labors of the husbandman had been signally unpro- 
ductive, in consequence of worms or droughts which oc- 
curred for many successive years ; and the principal grains had 
almost perished under an unaccountable blast. Boston, and 
the chief seats of trade, had greatly suffered by fires ; and by 
sea, great losses had befallen the merchants from shipwrecks, 
and the attacks of enemies upon their vessels and sailors ; the 
small-pox also, and other pestilential diseases had occasioned 
great mortality among the people ; and, besides all this, hun- 
dreds of the inhabitants of the frontier towns had been butchered 
by the Indians. 

These multiplied frowns of Divine Providence, led the people 

to inquire into the causes of their sufferings. The clergy dwelt 

much, in their public discourses, upon the prevailing sins of the 

times ; many of the churches renewed their covenant with God 

12 



90 

and each other; and the General Courts enacted laws to pro- 
mote the work of reformation. But, as is usual in such cases, 
there was a great diversity of opinion in respect to the occasions 
or moral causes of the divine inflictions under which they suf- 
fered. Many gave very strange reasons for the plagues of the 
country ; each man's opinion being formed in accordance with 
his private interests and views of religion. 

To determine this question, therefore, and unite the minds of 
the people, a synod was convened at Boston, September 10, 
1679 ; a general Hist having been first kept by the churches, to 
seek the blessing of God upon their deliberations. The synod 
proceeded to consider the two following questions : 

1. What are the evils that have provoked the Lord to bring 
his judgments on New England ? 

2. What is to be done that so these evils may be reformed ? 
In answer to the first question, the synod enumerated the 

evils to be found among them — sins which had been acknow- 
ledged before the Lord on days of humiliation appointed by 
authority, and yet not reformed; many of which were not 
punished or punishable by men, and were therefore (the synod 
judged) punished by God. It is not within my present limits 
to detail all the moral delinquencies which the synod mentioned 
under thirteen general heads. But it will cast light upon the 
moral aspect of that period, to notice the more prominent. 

To sum up, then, as briefly as possible, the answer of the 
synod, 1 to the first question, they declared : 

(1.) That there was a visible decay of the power of godli- 
ness amongst many professors in these churches. 

(2.) That pride abounded in New England, as evidenced in 
a refusing to be subject to order, according to divine appoint- 
ment ; in contention, and in respect of apparel. Servants, and 
the poorer sort of people are notoriously guilty in this matter, 
who (too generally) go above their estates and degrees, thereby 
transgressing the laws both of God and man. Also, many not 
of the meaner sort, have offended God by strange apparel, not 
becoming serious Christians, especially in these days of afflic- 
tion and misery. 

■ — w .... 

1 Magnolia, II. £75. 



91 

(3.) That church fellowship, and other divine institutions are 
greatly neglected. Many of the rising generation are not mind- 
ful of that which their baptism doth engage them unto, viz : 
to use utmost endeavors that they may be fit for, and so par- 
take in all the holy ordinances of the Lord Jesus. Nor is there 
so much of discipline extended towards the children of the 
covenant, as we are generally agreed ought to be done. On 
the other hand, human inventions and will-worship have been 
set up even in Jerusalem. 

(4.) That the holy and glorious name of God hath been pol- 
luted and profaned amongst us, by oath and irreverent behavior 
in the solemn worship of God. It is a frequent thing for men 
(though not necessitated thereunto by any infirmity) to sit in 
prayer-time, and some with their heads almost covered, and to 
give way to their own sloth and sleepiness, when they should 
be serving God with attention and intention, under the solemn 
dispensation of his ordinances. We read of but one man in 
Scripture, that slept at a sermon, and that sin had like to have 
cost him his life. Acts xx. 9. 

(5.) There is much Sabbath-breaking, by absence from 
public worship, by not keeping a seventh part of the time holy, 
in consequence of different apprehensions about the beginning 
of the Sabbath ; by walking abroad and travelling on the Sab- 
bath ; by attention to servile callings and employments after the 
Sabbath is begun, or before it is ended ; and by worldly and 
unsuitable discourses. 

(6.) They allege that most of the evils that abound amongst 
us, proceed from defects as to family government. There are 
many families that do not pray to God constantly, morning and 
evening ; and many more, wherein the Scriptures are not daily 
read, that so the word of Christ might dwell richly in them. 
Children have not been kept in due subjection, and thus Christian 
parents have been like the Indians ; and hence they have, in 
God's righteous providence, been punished by the Indians. 

(7.) They complain of inordinate passions, sinful heats and 
hatreds among church members themselves, who abound with 
evil surmisings, uncharitable and unrighteous censures, back- 
bitings, hearing and telling tales — few that remember and duly 
observe the rule, with an angry countenance to drive away the 



92 

tale-bearer — reproachful and reviling expressions, sometimes to, 
or of one another. 

(8.) There is much intemperance. That heathenish and 
idolatrous practice of health-drinking, is too frequent. Train- 
ing days, and other public solemnities, have been abused ; and 
not only English, but Indians have been debauched by those 
who call themselves Christians, who have put their bottles to 
them, and made them drunk also. This is a crying sin, and 
the more aggravated in that the first planters of this colony did 
(as is in the patent expressed) come into this land with a design 
to convert the heathen unto Christ ; but if instead of that they 
be taught wickedness, which before they were never guilty of, 
the Lord may well punish us by them. 

(9. 10.) They complain of a want of truth amongst men, 
and inordinate affection unto the world. There hath been, in 
many professors, an insatiable desire after land and worldly 
accommodations ; yea, so as to forsake churches and ordinances, 
and to live like heathen, only that so they might have elbow 
room enough in the world. Farms and merchandisings have 
been preferred before the things of God. In this respect, the 
interest of New England seeineth to be changed. We differ 
from other outgoings of our nation, in that it was not any 
worldly considerations that brought our fathers into this wil- 
derness, but religion, even so that they might build a sanctuary 
unto the Lord's name; whereas, now. religion is made subser- 
vient unto worldly interests. Wherefore, we cannot but sol- 
emnly bear witness against that practice of settling plantations 
without any ministry amongst them, which is to prefer the 
world before the Gospel. 

(11. 12. 13.) They also complained of opposition to the work 
of reformation, a want of public spirit, and of impenitency and 
UEtfruitfulness under the means of grace. 

In answer to the second question, "What is to be done?" it 
was recommended among ether things, that the present genera- 
tion should declare their adherence to the faith and order of the 
Gospel, and that the churches should solemnly renew their 
covenants, maintain discipline, especially towards the children 
of the church, by which the disputes respecting the subjects of 
l ism would be comfortably issued. It was also recommended 
to the churches, to use their utmost endeavors to obtain a full 



93 

supply of officers, according to Christ's institution. The defect 
of these churches is very lamentable, there being in most of the 
churches only one teaching officer for the burden of the whole 
congregation to lie upon. The Lord Jesus Christ would not 
have instituted pastors, teachers, ruling elders, if he had not seen 
there was need of them for the good of his people ; and there- 
fore, for men to think they can do well enough without them, 
is both to break the second commandment, and to reflect upon 
the wisdom of Christ as if he did appoint unnecessary officers 
in his church. Where there are great congregations, it is im- 
possible for one man, besides his labors in public, fully to attend 
to personal instruction and discipline. Notwithstanding this 
recommendation, however, the distinction between pastor and 
teacher was gradually lost sight of, although the practice of 
having two ministers was still adhered to by many of our 
churches. 

The synod, to carry out their first recommendation, assembled 
again in the spring of the following year, May 12, 1680. The 
result of this synod was a confession of faith, drawn up in the 
language of the Westminster confession, with a few variations 
from that of the Savoy. They chose to express themselves in 
the words of those reverend assemblies, (to use their own lan- 
guage) "that so they might not only with one heart, but with 
one mouth, glorify God and our Lord Jesus Christ." 

This confession shows that our fathers held to the catholic 
faith of the Christian church, it being substantially the same as 
the confessions of all the reformed churches of Europe. It is 
an exposition of the theological doctrines of New England Con- 
gregationalism, as the Cambridge Platform is of its discipline 
and government. The sentiments and practice of our churches 
differ in certain particulars from both of these documents ; but 
with their general and characterizing principles they still 
harmonize. 

We proceed now with our history of Mr. Shepard's ministry. 
He was, at the period of his ordination, a very young man, not 
yet twenty-two years of age ; but his mind and character seem 
to have been precociously mature. The most judicious of his 
people were constrained to admit that he ioas no novice, and 
such was the purity and dignity of his example, that he let no 
man despise his youth. The gravity of his deportment kept 



94 

up his authority among all classes, while his courtesy won their 
affection. His outward circumstances being easy — for his 
father left a good estate for those days— he was distinguished 
for the charity of his purse, as well as the benevolence of his 
feelings. As might be inferred from his parentage and educa- 
tion, he was conservative in his sympathies, a zealous promoter 
of the measures recommended by the reforming synod, and a 
strict adherent to the theology of the Puritan fathers. Mather 
says, " There were none dearer to him than the good old peo- 
ple ; those holy, devout, aged souls, who had grown well 
towards ripe for heaven under his blessed father's ministry ; 
he was much in their company, and he valued their prayers for 
him, and their serious, and savory, and heavenly communica- 
tions at no ordinary rate. Nor shall I ever forget the consolation 
which he told me he had received from the words which one 
of those plain old saints used unto him, when he was under 
discouraging fears how he should go through his work : Sir, 
said he, if you'll give up yourself to do the work of the Lord 
Jesus Christ, never fear but he will help you to do yours." 

In his domestic relations he appears to have been very exem- 
plary. He performed the worship of his family by reading 
morning and evening a portion of Scripture, and offering a 
prayer founded upon it ; on Saturday nights he chose to repeat a 
sermon, commonly one which had been preached at some lecture 
the foregoing week, or one of his deceased father's ;* and on 
Sabbath evening he repeated the sermon of the day. He was a 
laborious student, and his study was a beloved place. He not 
only had " a fine, large, and continually growing library," but 
his books bore evidence of having been carefully perused, con- 
taining in his own handwriting, a summary of their contents, 
and memoranda of the most remarkable passages. Indeed, his 
health appears to have suffered in consequence of his severe ap- 
plication. His habits of study also, were remarkably devout. 
" He thought that he should never do any great things in feed- 
ing his flock, if he did not great things in fasting by himself/' 
Accordingly he set apart one day in every month, for private 
fasting, to examine his own spiritual condition, and implore 
blessings upon his people. 

I Note 36. 



95 

In the preparation of his discourses for the pulpit, he began 
with prayer ; and then read over his text in the original, and 
fixed upon its meaning. He drew forth his doctrines and the 
other heads of his discourse in the beginning of the week, that 
he might avail himself of his occasional thoughts. He arranged 
his own meditations before consulting other authors ; and when 
he had finished his composition, he concluded with a thanks- 
giving to the Lord, his helper. In the delivery of his sermons 
he appears not to have excelled ; but he felt what he spoke, and 
spoke what he felt. 

In the course of his ministry, he discussed in a series of dis- 
courses, a variety of subjects. In reference to the calamities 
and prevailing iniquities of the time, he preached forty-five 
sermons on the prayer of Jonas ; the last of which, he delivered 
about a month before his death. At the same time, but on 
another part of the Lord's day, he preached upon the evils con- 
demned by the synod. In concluding these two courses, he 
delivered two sermons, the first, to awaken the obstinate, from 
Jer. xiii. 17. " If ye will not hear, my soul shall weep in secret 
places for your pride." And the other, to encourage the peni- 
tent, from Matt. xi. 28. " Come to me all ye that labor, and I 
will give you rest." "And he was never after heard speaking 
in the name of the Lord." 

So faithful were his endeavors to discharge his duty as a pas- 
tor — watching for souls as one that must give account — that, 
Mather says, " Methinks I hear him give up this account unto 
the Judge of all. 'Gracious Lord, I watched that I might see 
what sort of temptations did most threaten my flock, and I set 
myself to strengthen them against those temptations. I watched 
that I might see what sort of afflictions did most assault my 
flock, and I set myself to comfort them under those afflictions. 
I did watch to learn what sort of duties were most seasonable 
to be recommended to my flock, and I vigorously recommended 
them in the seasons thereof. I did watch to see what souls of 
my flock did call for my more particular addresses, and I often 
addressed one or other of them. Yet not I, but the grace which 
was with me.' " 

The labors of Mr. Shepard were not in vain ; God encouraged 
him by making such additions to the church, as few churches 
in the country at that time received. He has recorded the 



96 

names of sixty persons — twenty males and forty females — as 
received to the full communion of the church ; and this during 
his brief ministry of five years, shows an average increase of 
twelve for each year, which is a larger number than the average 
of admissions under his father, or since the organization of the 
church. 

The only vote of the church, recorded by Mr. Shepard during 
the period of his ministry, is the following : 

" March 8, 16S5. Voted and concurred in by the church, that 
men's relations (their own •pronouncing them having been con- 
stantly found inconvenient) be for the future read: Nemine 
contradicente. T. S." 

Originally, in the formation of the first Puritan churches, 
those who sought admission were privately examined by the 
ministers ; but in the year 1634, one of the brethren was present 
at an examination, and was so much interested, as to awaken a 
desire in others to be present, until at Length the whole church 
attended. 1 It then became the practice for men to give a verbal 
account of their religious experience, or relations, as they were 
called, while those of the women were written and read. It 
will be remembered that Mr. Shepard, en being admitted to the 
church, made a statement of his religious views and experience. 
This practice, however, being attended by many inconveni- 
encies, it was resolved by our church at this date, and by the 
Old South also about the same time, to dispense with oral, and 
receive written relations. This latter mode becoming after a 
few years a mere form, it was dropped, and our churches 
returned to the former mode of examinations before the officers 
of the church, to whom is now commonly added a committee 
of the brethren. 

The above-mentioned vote of the church was passed just 
three months before the sudden and lamented death of their 
youthful pastor. About this time he was preaching a series of 
thirteen sermons on those words of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes 
xii. 5: "Man goeth to his long home." His friend tells us 
that " he had a strange and strong presage on his own mind, 
that he was himself to be not long from that home." His family 
were short-lived. His grandfather, of Cambridge, died in his 

' Magnalia, II. 209. 



97 

forty-fourth year, his father in his forty-third year ; and he him- 
self had a presentiment that he should not outlive the age of 
twenty-seven, at which his uncle died, the Rev. Samuel 
Shepard, third pastor of the church in Rowley — a man so much 
beloved by his people, that they would have plucked out their 
eyes to have saved his life." 

This apprehension of early death seems to have deeply 
impressed the mind of Mr. Shepard, and influenced both his 
preaching and his conduct, so that he stood prepared for the 
sudden visitation which at last befell him. By a surprising 
coincidence with his unaccountable forebodings, he expired on 
Sabbath night, June 7, 1685, after an illness of one or two days, 
when he was a month short of twenty-seven. He was some- 
what indisposed on Friday, but continued his labors all the day 
following, to be ready for the Lord's day, when he was to have 
administered the sacrament of the Lord's supper. But, on 
Saturday night, his illness grew so much upon him, that he 
desisted, and said to his wife, " I would gladly have been once 
more at the table of the Lord, but I now see that I shall no 
more partake thereof, until I do it after a new manner in the 
kingdom of heaven!" "On Lord's day noon," says Cotton 
Mather, who, together with Mr. Nathaniel Gookin, supplied the 
pulpit that day, " I visited him, and at my parting with him, 
he said, ' my hopes are built on the free mercy of God, and the 
rich merit of Christ, and I do believe, that, if I am taken out of 
the world, I shall only change my place ; I shall neither change 
my company, nor change my communion ; and as for you, sir, 
I beg the Lord Jesus to be with you until the end of the 
world ! ' After this he said but little to his attendants, but 
was often overheard pouring out prayers, and especially for the 
widow-church (as he often expressed it) which he was to leave 
behind him. And in the night following," says Mather, " to 
the extreme surprise of his friends on earth, he went away to 
those in heaven." 

The surprise with which the intelligence of Mr. Shepard's 
death was received by his friends, is well expressed by Judge 
Sewall, in his MS. journal, the day after it occurred. "Asaph 
Eliot comes in and tells me the certain news, doleful news, of 
Mr. Shepard of Charlestown, his being dead; of whose illness 
I heard nothing at all. Saw him very well this day sennight. 
13 



98 

Was much smitten with the news. Was taken on Friday night ; 
yet being to preach and administer the Lord's supper on Sab- 
bath day, forbore physick, at least at first." 

His funeral took place on Tuesday, June 9th. The gover- 
nor, lieutenant governor, and magistrates, together with some 
of the most distinguished clergymen, were present ; the faculty 
of Harvard College were also present, inasmuch as he was one 
of the overseers of that institution — and the students walked 
before the hearse. The pall-bearers were Mr. Mather, Mr. 
Simmes, Mr. Willard, Mr. Hubbard of Cambridge (Hobart of 
Newton), Mr. Nathaniel Gookin, and Mr. Cotton Mather. Judge 
Sewall says " that there were some verses, but none pin'd on 
the herse ; " this refers to a practice in those days, of compos- 
ing complimentary verses upon the deceased, and attaching them 
to the hearse. 

In addition to the account which has now been given of Mr. 
Shcpard's life, it will not be necessary to say much of his 
character. For so young a man, he possessed an extensive 
acquaintance with theology. He had no sympathy with the 
new divinity of the day, but was ardently attached to ortho- 
doxy, and able in defending the truth against Arminian oppo- 
sers. " He looked," says Mather, " upon many late books 
written to undermine the orthodox articles of the Church of 
England, by persons who perhaps had got into preferment by 
subscribing those very articles, as books that indeed betrayed 
the Christian religion under pretence of upholding it." Among 
his favorite authors, were Usher, Caryl, Owen, Sherlock, and 
Hooker. 

The facts which I have given, have been chiefly derived 
from Cotton Mather, who was (as I have before said) but two 
years the junior of Mr. Shepard in college, and who has drawn 
his friend's character with the warm coloring of personal affec- 
tion and admiration. " I confess," he says, " my affection unto 
my dear Shepard to have been such, that if I might use the 
poet's expression of his friend, animce dimidium mere, I must 
say, / <i m half buried since he is dead ; or, he is but half dead 
since I am alive." 

" Dear Shepard, sure: \vc dare not <m11 thee (load: 
Tho' gone, thou'rt but unto thy kindred tied." 



99 

By the decease of Mr. Shepard, the church was again left 
without a pastor and teacher; nor do we know to whom the 
minds of the people were directed, until the arrival in this 
country, the following summer, of the Rev. Charles Morton, 
whose celebrity for great and various acquisitions drew towards 
him at once the attention not merely of this town, but of the 
community at large. This gentleman was born at Pendavy, in 
the county of Cornwall, in the year 1626. 1 His father, the 
Rev. Nicholas Morton, was minister of St. Mary Overy's, in 
Southwark, where he died. Two of his brothers were also 
clergymen. He descended from an ancient and honorable 
family at Morton in Nottinghamshire, the seat of Thomas Mor- 
ton, who was secretary to king Edward III. in the fourteenth 
century. At the age of fourteen, he was sent by his grand- 
father to Wadham College in Oxford, where he applied himself 
with great diligence to study, and became very zealous for the 
rites and ceremonies of the Church of England, alter the exam- 
ple of his grandfather, who was a great royalist. When the 
civil wars came on, however, he observed that the most virtuous 
part of the nation were on the side of the parliament against 
the king, and this is said to have led him to examine the con- 
troversy ; the consequence of which was, that he sided with 
the Puritans. While he was fellow of the college, he greatly 
distinguished himself by his mathematical genius, as he did 
indeed by his general scholarship. After leaving college, he 
settled in the ministry in Blisland, where his father had settled 
before him and from which he had been ejected for non-con- 
formity, and here he lived comfortably for several years. From 
this living, however, he was ejected by the act of Uniformity 
of 1662, and afterwards lived in a small house of his own in 
the parish of St. Ives, where he preached to a few people of a 
neighboring village until the great fire of London. By that 
event he suffered great losses, and was compelled to remove to 
London that he might take care of his affairs. Here he was 
prevailed upon to engage in the instruction of youth, for which 
he was singularly fitted, and which he prosecuted with distin- 
guished success for some years at Newington Green. He edu- 
cated some scores of ministers, and many of his scholars attained 

! Calamy's Non- Conformist's Memorial. 



100 

distinction both in church and state. De Foe, the celebrated 
author of Robinson Crusoe, was one of his pupils. He is said 
to have had a peculiar tact in winning youth to the love of 
virtue and learning, both by his pleasant conversation and a 
familiar way he had of making difficult subjects intelligible. 
The design of Mr. Morton's academy at Newington Green was 
to extend the privileges of a liberal education to Dissenters, who 
were excluded from the national universities. He carried his 
pupils not only through the literary and scientific studies pursued 
at college, but also gave lectures to those who were preparing 
for professional life. Twenty years of his life were spent in 
this useful and honorable employment ; but during the whole 
period he was subjected to continual processes from the bish- 
ops' courts, to which he was compelled at length to yield, and, 
in consequence of the aspect of public affairs in England, to 
betake himself to this country. Among the motives that 
induced him to remove to New England, was the expectation 
afforded him of presiding over Harvard College. But when he 
arrived, the political condition of the country was so changed — 
James II. having revoked the charter, dissolved the General 
Court, and placed the colony under arbitrary rule — that it was 
inexpedient, if not impossible, to intrust the college to one so 
obnoxious to the government as Mr. Morton. His fitness for 
the station, however, was universally conceded ; the office of 
vice-president was created for him, and he would, no doubt, 
have been elected president, had his life been prolonged. He 
was followed to this country by two or three young men, who 
attended his lectures on philosophy, which he read at his own 
house ; and his fame as an instructor was beginning to draw to 
him several from the college ; but this causing great uneasiness 
in the corporation, he was forced to decline teaching any 
farther. 

Of the welcome reception which Mr. Morton received on his 
arrival in this country, we have an account in the journal of 
John Dunton, 1 who has left us a very lively narration of what 
he saw during a visit he made to Boston in 1686, bringing with 
him letters of introduction lit mi various persons in England, and 
among the rest from Mr. Morton himself. 

I 1 Mass. Hist.Coll.il. 115. 



101 

He had been making a visit to Natick, where he had gone 
to see with his own eyes what Christianity had done for the 
Indians, and to hear Mr. Eliot preach to them ; and upon his 
return, he says : 

" Upon my coming to Boston, I heard that the Rev. Mr. 
Morton, so much celebrated in England for his piety and learn- 
ing, was just arrived from England, and with him his kinsman, 
Dr. Morton the physician. The news of Mr. Morton's arrival 
was received here with extraordinary joy by the people in 
general, and they had reason for it, for besides his being a useful 
man in fitting young men for the ministry, he always gave a 
mighty character of New England, which occasioned many to 
fly to it from the persecution which was then raging in London." 
" I know it would be presumption in me," he continues, " to 
draw Mr. Morton's character ; yet, being personally acquainted 
with him, I cannot but attempt something like it. His conver- 
sation showed him a gentleman — he was the very soul of 
philosophy ; the several manuscripts he writ for the use of his 
private academy, sufficiently showed this. He was the reposi- 
tory of all arts and sciences, and of the graces too ; his dis- 
courses were not stale or studied, but always new and occasional, 
for whatever subject was at any time started, he had still some 
pleasant and pat story for it. His sermons were high, but not 
soaring — practical, but not low ; his memory was vast as his 
knowledge, yet (so great was his humility) he knew it the least 
of any man ; he was as free from pride as ignorance, and if we 
may judge of a man's religion by his charity, (and can we go 
by a surer rule ?) he was a sincere Christian." 1 

We may readily suppose that this church and town did not 
delay long in making the necessary arrangements to secure the 
services of Mr. Morton as their minister. He arrived in the 
month of July, 16SG, and in the following November (5th) he 
was solemnly inducted into the pastoral office, after the " widow- 
church" — as the dying young Shepard called it — had been 
without a pastor about a year and a half. 

There was something peculiar about the method in which 
Mr. Morton entered upon the pastoral office. He himself 
called it an induction ; it was properly an installation, as that 

• Note 37. 



102 

word is now used in distinction from ordination, and is probably 
the first instance in which this distinction was recognised. 

It will be remembered that the Rev. John Wilson, and all 
the first Puritan ministers, who had received ordination in 
England, were re-ordained with the imposition of hands afresh, 
when they took upon them the charge of a particular church. 
The design of this was not to deny the validity of their former 
ordination, but to teach a principle of Congregationalism, incor- 
porated into the Platform, and there expressed in these words : 
" He that is clearly loosed from his office-relation unto the 
church whereof he was a minister, cannot be looked at as an 
officer, nor perform any act of office in any other church, unless 
he be again orderly called unto office ; which when it shall be 
we know nothing to hinder but imposition of hands ought to 
be used towards him again." It was under the influence of 
these sentiments that Mr. Cotton thought himself incompetent 
to baptize his infant son, born at sea. because there was no 
church on ship-board, and as a minister he had no right to 
administer the seals except in his own church. 

This extreme and rigid opinion was now giving way, and 
Mr. Morton, by the influence of his character and example, 
contributed not a little to bring it into discredit. Indeed it is 
rather a feature of Independency, than Congregationalism. 
Judge Sewall was present at the installation, and from his 
account 1 we learn that the new practice was not pleasing to all. 
In the first place opportunity was offered to the church, and to 
all, to offer objections if they had any, and then the vote of the 
church was taken. Mr. Morton preached from Rom. i. 16, 
" For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ ; for it is the 
power of God unto salvation, to every one that bclieveth ; to 
the Jew first, and also to the Greek." He alluded very pithily 
to the 5th of November, the day of his installation, which 
was the anniversary of Thanksgiving in England for their 
deliverance from the Gunpowder Treason ; he said that just the 
contrary to what the Epistle to the Romans inculcated was 
taught and practiced at Rome. Mr. Mather gave him his 
charge, and " spoke in praise of the Congregational way, and 



1 Am. Quart. Reg. xiii. U. In this periodical will be found much valuable information 
respecting our church, in a series of articles furnished by Kev. Samuel Sewall of Burlington. 



103 

said, were he as Mr. Morton, he would have hands laid on him." 
Mr. Moodey also in his prayer alluded to the subject, and 
intimated that " that which would have been grateful to many 
(viz : laying on of hands) was omitted." 

Mr. Morton was sixty years of age when he entered, in this 
manner, upon the duties of a pastor in this church — a period of 
life much more advanced than any other of our ministers had 
attained to at the time of settlement. During his ministry of 
nearly twelve years, fifty-nine were admitted to full communion 
with the church, and six hundred twenty-three baptized, two 
hundred eighty-four males and three hundred thirty-nine 
females. 

Before concluding this discourse, I cannot refrain from making 
a few observations upon the mutability of human . affairs. 
Verily man walketh in a vain show ! In dwelling upon the 
events to which our attention has been called, we have wit- 
nessed but a representation of the shifting scenes in which we 
are ourselves actors ! We have been thinking over again the 
thoughts of men long dead, we have been moving in the midst 
of a generation of shadows, the magistrates and pastors and 
people of olden time have passed before us, we have beheld 
them again agitated with the desires and hopes and fears of 
life. It is an impressive thing to walk the earth in imagina- 
tion, with forms that are dust now — whose voices and passions 
have been left far behind us in the lapse of time — whose projects 
and hopes are low beneath our feet, like autumn's leaves ; for 
the reflection cannot but recur with force to every mind, that 
as they and theirs now are, so shall we soon be ! How profita- 
ble the lessons of history ! Each tolling bell, that marks the 
passing away of life, utters the same lesson which time has 
been teaching since it first began to mete off man's probation ; 
vanity and change — the same allotments happen to all alike ! 
With all the variety of life — variety enough to interest and 
excite each successive generation of men — the experience of 
man is still the same. Upon this same theatre — for these houses 
and lands — you contend, and then retire, and leave others to act 
over the same scenes, and with a like result ! 

We have wept by the bier of the youthful Shepard, and have 
looked with reverence upon the ancient men of that early gen- 
eration. So, too, are the aged and the young among us ; and 



104 

among us the blighting of early promise, and the falling of 
hopes that have opened to fade and drop. I have had occasion 
before, to allude to the few survivors of the Pilgrim generation. 
As we have seen a few leaves clinging to a naked tree, and 
sometimes the young and tender ones holding on till mid-win- 
ter notwithstanding frost and tempest ; so a few of that first 
generation out-lived the privations of their settlement in the 
wilderness, and saw their children's children, in an old age full 
of years and honors. By the kindness of the Rev. Mr. Sewall, 
of Burlington, I have been furnished with an extract from his 
ancestor's journal, which makes mention of the death and 
funeral of the relict of Increase Nowell, and a few others who 
were probably among the last of Winthrop's companions. 

" 16S7. March 22. A considerable snow on the ground which 
fell last night. Mrs. Eliot, of Roxbury, dies. Now about, 
Goodman Francis, an ancient and good man indeed, of Cam- 
bridge, dies. Friday, March 25. Mrs. Nowell, Samuel Nowell 
Esq's, mother dies. 28. Went to Mrs. Eliot's funeral, which 
was a very great one ; no scarfs. 29. To Mrs. No well's, the 
widow of Mr. Increase Nowell, a Patentee. Mr. Danforth, 
Davie, Richards, Russell, Cook, Sewall, bearers. None else of 
the old government were there but Mr. Secretary Rawson. I 
helped to lift the corpse into Mr. Shepard's tomb, and to place 
it there, carrying the head. Mr. Nowell went not in. Eighty- 
four years old." 

Thus have they passed away — the dead and they that buried 
their dead ! How emphatically do the places that once knew 
them — not only the places of their abode, but the places of their 
sepulture — know them no more for ever. The memorials of 
nearly all the first settlers have been effaced by the action of 
time, or destroyed by the desolating war. which, a century after, 
laid the town in ashes, and left to the violence of soldiers the 
hill where the fathers were gathered together in the sleep of 
the grave. You will search in vain, among the sunken and 
inclining stones of your burying-hill, for the names so familial 
to your early history; not one of the names of the early 
religious teachers of the church, Symmes, Harvard, the elder 
and younger Shepard, or the aged Morton, can now be found. 
But they are not and never can be forgotten. Their names 
are now living freshly on the tablets of immortal hearts. 



105 

They are, we may not doubt, surrounded by those to whom 
they ministered the word and sacraments of life on earth ; and 
think you that in their hearts the names and services of their 
faithful pastors can ever be forgotten ? 

But peace to their ashes ! Whatever philosophy may say, it 
is the dictate of religion, as well as of natural taste and sentiment, 
to care for the burial places of those that sleep in Jesus. We 
believe not only in the immortality of the soul, but also in the 
resurrection of the body ; does not the Redeemer himself watch 
over the sleeping dust of his disciples, and does the believer 
want any greater incentive, to hallow the last resting place of 
his guide or companion in faith ? 

And here let me say a word to the inhabitants of this town 
respecting the reverence that is due their < burying-hill,' — piled 
(if I may be allowed the expression) with sacred dust. It is 
indescribably dear to many of you, because those are sleeping 
there whom you once loved, and still love ; and those also 
are there, whom it was a blessing to know, and whom it is a 
blessing to succeed. Cherish the place then, and guard it with 
a rampart of filial hearts ! It is a pleasing indication of modern 
taste and refinement, that some of the most beautiful spots in 
nature, like Mount Auburn, have been consecrated to the burial 
of the dead. Surely it is a becoming act of piety to protect from 
injury, and render attractive, the spots which the venerable dead 
have themselves consecrated by making them their last resting 
places. The fathers of the town acted upon this principle, and 
offered the best they had, when they devoted the ' burying- 
hill ' to their dead ; it was the most beautiful and appropriate site 
on the peninsula, commanding a varied and extensive prospect, 
eminently calculated to soothe and elevate the mind when seen 
in the soft twilight of a Sabbath evening, at which time the 
Puritans and their children were wont to pay a solemn yet 
cheerful visit to the graves of their departed kindred. That 
ground is still capable of being beautified and rendered at- 
tractive, and thus made to serve a valuable moral purpose, by 
impressing upon the hearts of the present generation a salutary 
reverence for the Pilgrim Fathers. 
14 



LECTURE VI 



Genesis xvii. 7, 8. 

AND I WILL ESTABLISH MY COVENANT BETWEEN ME AND THEE, AND THY SEED AFTER 
THEE IN THEIR GEN ERATIONS, FOR AN EVERLASTING COVENANT, TO BE A GOD UNTO 
THEE AND TO THY SEED AFTER THEE. AND I WILL GIVE UNTO THEE AND TO THY 
SEED AFTER THEE, THE LAND WHEREIN THOU ART A STRANGER, ALL THE LAND 

of Canaan, for an everlasting possession ; and I will be their God. 

Among all the ministers of this church, no man enjoyed a 
higher reputation for talents and learning with his cotemporaries 
than Mr. Morton. The circumstances of his arrival in this 
country, the welcome he received, together with his previous 
reputation, afford evidence of this ; but ampler proof may be 
derived from the writings he has left us, both published and 
unpublished. It was Mr. Morton's practice to prepare essays 
and tracts on various literary and scientific subjects, and place 
them in the hands of his students to be copied by them. One 
of these has been published by Mr. Calamy. It was a paper 
drawn up under the reign of king Charles II., and bears the title 
of " Advice to Candidates for the Ministry under the present 
discouraging circumstances." I shall take the liberty of pre- 
senting a few extracts from this essay, not only for their intrinsic 
value, but for the light they will cast upon the author's views 
of the ministerial office, and his own character as a minister. 

" Presuming you will accept of advice from one you know 
loves and wishes you well, and whose comforts are much 
bound up in your well-doing — having observed some desid- 
eranda in divers who are entering into the sacred work — I 
thought it my duty to deal plainly and faithfully with you in a 
few suitable and seasonable admonitions to you. 

" This premised, my counsel in short is — 



107 

" 1. That in all study and preaching, you chiefly mind Jesus 
Christ. Remember you design the ministry of the gospel ; 
and the gospel is the doctrine of the Saviour, and the tender 
of salvation by the Mediator. Think much of that passage of 
Luther : ' Omnes niece meditationes theologicee in Christo 
fiuunt refluuntque.' (All my reflections upon theology lead me 
and bring me back to Christ. ) Is it a sin you think of or men- 
tion ? remember it still as a piercer, a persecutor, a crucifier of 
Christ. So look on it and Him together, as may cause you to 
mourn over both. Is it a duty ? remember always whence 
strength comes to perform it : Lex jubet ; Evangelium juvat. 
(Law commands; Gospel assists.) For without Him you can 
do nothing ; no, not so much as think a good thought. Is it a 
threat ? let it be a spurr ; or a promise ? let it be a lure ; both 
inciting in their proper way to come unto Christ ; the former as 
the rod of the law, a schoolmaster ; the latter as a branch of 
the covenant of grace, which in Christ alone is yea and amen. 
Do you offer prayer or praise unto God? not only remember the 
formal and customary close, (through Jesus Christ our Lord,) 
but in every branch, let the hand of faith, with holy and hum- 
ble affection, tender and deliver it into the Mediator's hand, that 
it may be acceptable in the beloved. Thus you shall avoid the 
unsavory way of moral philosophy lecturers, instead of gospel 
preaching, more fit for the rostra or theatre of heathens, than 
the pulpit or assembly of Christians ; and better comply with, 
the exemplary resolution of the apostle, who determined to 
'know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified.' 

" 2. That you often call to mind the end of preaching, which 
is to teach what men should, not to show what you can do. 
Direct your speech, not as if you intended to beat the air over 
men's heads, but as designing to teach and touch the tenderest 
part of their hearts. What we speak to God, must be aimed at 
his heart ; and what from him to man, should be aimed at 
theirs. The church is Christ's school. Every member is a 
disciple or scholar. A minister is a teacher sent from God. He 
should, therefore, personate at least a tutor, if not a parent. 
Now a father or tutor does not make orations or speeches to his 
children or scholars, but in a familiar way (humano more) he 
inculcates his instructions so as he judges will make the best 
impression. 



108 

" As for probationership, and the opinions of men concerning 
you, you neither need nor ought to be farther concerned than 
with relation to the fruit of your labors, and the end of preach- 
ing. Think often that your preparations are designed to serve 
and please the great God. What is it then, whether they are 
pleasing or no, to this learned, that curious, or the other great 
man ! In a word, let the words of vain critics pass unregarded. 
Only labor sincerely to approve yourselves to God, and you will 
be also approved in good men's consciences. 

" 3. In connection with and reference to the last advice, I 
counsel you to use notes, not proudly and foolishly, but humbly 
and wisely. 

" The proud use of notes is, when men of an affected curiosity, 
to scratch itching ears, are nice to note down all to a word or 
tittle, lest (forsooth) the starched oration should be ruffled by a 
rough expression. When these exact notes are prepared, then 
they are either conned by heart, and recited like a school-boy's 
lesson, or read verbatim as a child does his horn-book. 

" On the other hand, an humble, prudent use of notes is, when 
men out of a sense of their infirmity, have them ready as an 
help, not presuming on their extempore faculty, nor despising 
such a method, or succinctness of discourse, as may be best 
understood and retained by the auditors. When things pru- 
dently (not words curiously) are so disposed of, as that when a 
man is to deliver a certain sentence or paragraph of truth, he 
may have the whole freedom of his mind to express it with its 
proper affection, without fear of losing the next consequent, or 
an impertinent filling up some interstitial time with an ill- 
favored heap of superfluous words, till the mind can recover 
itself to think what should be next. Those that will never 
use notes often need them. Such arc (in my thoughts) like a 
man that holds a bundle of arrows in his bow-hand; the stcnd- 
iness and strength of whose draught is thereby hindered; 
whereas, the others are as one that disposeth of them in order 
in his quiver, and out of his way, who, when he hath with full 
strength drawn one shaft to the very head, and sent it to the 
heart, can handsomely come at another, and make use of it 
without interruption. I said before, things and not words. Not 
that I advise an utter neglect of proper and significant expres- 
sions ; but the greatest care should be had of the matter and 



109 

things. And if this be done, one that is a scholar, and who 
ordinarily accustoms himself to speak handsomely and proper, 
needs not want sufficient words well to express his mind. < Re 
bene disposita, verba ac invita sequuntur.' (When your 
thoughts are well arranged, appropriate words will naturally 
follow.)" 

But I may not proceed further with these extracts. The 
whole letter or essay is permanently valuable, and might be 
transcribed now with great advantage by candidates for the 
ministry. It may serve also to give us an accurate and lively 
idea of Mr. Morton's own character as a preacher. He had 
confessedly very extensive stores of learning at command, and 
his long experience as a teacher, gave him the power of com- 
municating instruction with great readiness, and adapting his 
method to the wants of all classes. He was a man of tact and 
good sense, and every way fitted to exercise a controlling 
influence over his hearers. This pulpit was probably never 
occupied by a man so eminent for his qualifications as a 
preacher. His rich fund of information, together with his 
fondness for instruction, made him very attractive to young 
men. He was surrounded by large numbers of them for twenty 
years in London ; and when he came to this country he was 
followed by some of his pupils, and during the remainder of his 
life here he was attended by more or less. 

Mr. Morton published a number of small treatises during his 
life ; * but he was always brief and compendious, being a 
declared enemy of large volumes. The Greek maxim, " Miya 
6i6Uov fieyu %uxdi> } " A great book, a great evil — was frequently 
in his mouth. 

Mr. Morton discharged the duties of a pastor for about ten 
years ; during this period the ancient spirit of discipline seems 
to have been maintained — the baptized children being regarded 
as strictly under the watch and care of the church. A person, 
who was a member of the church in Dorchester by baptism, 
having committed an offence in this place, by direction of that 
church made an acknowledgment to the satisfaction of this 
church, and was restored. 

On the 9th of November, 1694, the church being entirely 

1 Note 38. 



110 

without deacons, a meeting was held, and " there were nomina- 
ted Mr. Joseph Kettle, Mr. John Call, and Mr. Samuel Kettle," 
of whom the two first-mentioned were in the following April 
ordained in accordance with ancient usage. 

At the same time, the church also voted, "that they thought 
it needful to call one to be an assistant in the work of the min- 
istry, in order to office in this church ; " and for that purpose a 
church meeting was appointed on the 23d of the month, at nine 
o'clock in the morning, when they "proceeded and nominated 
and chose Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton." 

This gentleman was born in Boston, in 1672, and graduated 
at Harvard College, 1691. At the time of receiving the call of 
this church, he was very young, and had just completed his 
preparatory studies. He declined the call of the church, per- 
haps for the reason mentioned, and preferred a longer residence 
at the college, to which he returned in the capacity of a tutor. 
The people, however, remembered him with interest, and made 
a second attempt to secure his services, as we learn from the 
following memorandum written by Mr. Morton. " Since my 
last great sickness for about a year, the deacons provided tran- 
sient help to preach one part of the day. My weakness being 
more than ordinary manifest this last winter, sometime in 
January, divers, both of the church and town, came together 
unto me, and asked if I were willing to have a settled helper ? 
I answered in the affirmative. Then they asked me what 
method in order thereunto I would advise them, in which they 
should proceed? I answered, first ask counsel of God, and 
then of wise men." 

"Accordingly," he writes, " on this day, February 11, 1697, 
we had a public fast ; Mr. Willard and myself preaching, and 
other ministers assisting in prayer. After this, a committee, 
constituted both of the church and inhabitants, were chosen to 
act herein, who made this return to the whole congregation." 
Then follows the report, which states that the major part of the 
ministers of Boston advised to the choice of Mr. Pemberton, 
and concludes with a recommendation, " that the inhabitants 
do convene on the next Friday come fortnight, at nine of the 
clock in the forenoon, being the 12th day of March next, in 
order to a free choice in that affair." 

Before this meeting took place, however, the church met at 



Ill 

Mr. Morton's house, February 22d, and passed the following 
vote: "That, whereas, they did formerly in the year 1094, 
November 23, vote, and nominated Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton to 
be an assistant to Mr. Charles Morton, as a settled help in the 
work of the ministry ; and we are so well satisfied in what 
they have done herein, as to come to a free and general vote 
with the inhabitants, at the time appointed by the committee, 
in order to a settled help to the Rev. Mr. Charles Morton in the 
work of the ministry among us." 

At the general town meeting (March 12) Mr. Simon Brad- 
street was chosen assistant pastor, and a call extended to him 
accordingly. Whether the church contemplated such a result 
or not, we do not know. At their previous meeting they re- 
newed their call to Mr. Pemberton, and probably expected the 
ratification of it by the town. But I can discover no evidence 
of a disagreement between the church and the town, but on the 
contrary, an unusual degree of unanimity. When Mr. Bradstreet 
was elected, it seems to have taken place by general consent, 
probably because it was ascertained that Mr. Pemberton would 
not accept. However this may be, it certainly does not appear 
that the church designed to relinquish their undoubted right to 
proceed first in the choice of a minister. They did make the first 
move, and at their meeting on the 22d of February, although 
for some reason they did not elect Mr. Bradstreet, they yet 
expressed themselves so well " satisfied as to come to a free and 
general vote with the inhabitants," in the choice of a minister. 
This declaration was read to the inhabitants at the town meet- 
ing on the 12th of March, and it would seem that the church 
supposed they had virtually, if not formally, made choice of 
Mr. Bradstreet before he was chosen by the town. 

But the method of procedure was deemed irregular and of 
dangerous tendency by some in the vicinity. Under date of 
the 9th of May, 1697, we find the following record, the last 
entry made by the trembling hand of the venerable Morton. 
" The church stopped — they voted that the committee should 
bring in their answer to the three churches' letters on the next 
Lord's day. And at the same time, May 9, voted and declared 
that they as a church of Christ, did vote Mr. Simon Bradstreet 
to be a constant helper to me (their aged pastor) in the work of 
the ministry." 



112 

This refers to a letter of admonition sent by the North church 
in Boston to this church, for " betraying the liberties of the 
churches in their late putting into the hands of the whole 
inhabitants the choice of a minister." The reply of this church 
to the charge has not been preserved, and we cannot therefore 
know with certainty the merits of the controversy. But from 
the facts with which we are acquainted, it would seem that the 
accusation arose from a misunderstanding, or the fault from 
inadvertence and that laxness which results from entire unan- 
imity. 

The call of the church and town, however, as thus made out 
to Mr. Bradstreet, was for some reason declined, and he was not 
settled till after the death of Mr. Morton. l 

Mr. Morton lived about a year after the transaction narrated 
above, probably in a very feeble state of health. Under the 
date of June 1, 1697, Judge Sewall mentions his attending 
the funeral of Mr. Thomas Graves, on which occasion he 
says : " Mr. Morton is very short breatlrd — sat upon a tomb 
in the burying-place, and said for ought he knew he should be 
next." And in the month of February following, he speaks 
repeatedly of riding over the ice to Charlestown to visit Mr. 
Morton. On the 8th of April he visited him ; and, as it is the 
last interview with the dying pastor of which we have any 
account, I will quote it. 

" I was told he was asleep ; but went in, and when I drew 
nigh his bedside, he earnestly stretched out his flaming hand to 
me, and strove to speak, but could not. I think the first I 
heard him say was, 'I sir.' I asked him how he did in such 
long illness. He at first said, 'That which can't be cured, must 
be endured.' But seemed presently after to correct himself, and 
say, 'I desire patiently to submit to the hand of God.' Awhile 
after, I said, you cannot speak to me, but you can speak to God, 
which is a thousand times better. I pray that God would help 
you to speak to hini, and that he would graciously hear you 
when you do speak. He seemed to lie still in a listening pos- 
ture, and made a little pause and said, 'Excellent things! if I 
could receive them and live up to them ! ' Before this, he said 
something about his man Tiler, that he heard he was become a 

1 Note 39. 



113 

new man. When I took leave, he said, <I wish you well, and 
all your family.' I told him I doubted not but that I should 
fare the better for his blessing." 

The death of Mr. Morton took place on the 11th of April., 
1698. On that day, Judge Sewall says, "Mr. Willard and I, 
having appointed it before, went to see Mr. Morton. He was 
in his agonies, but Mr. Willard prayed with him, and he seemed 
to be sensible by the motion of his eye. He died between two 
and three of the clock." The funeral took place on the 14th, 
and was attended by the principal members of the court, the 
officers of the college, (of which he was vice-president,) and 
the students, who preceded the hearse and led the procession. 
The will of Mr. Morton has been preserved in the probate 
office, bearing date November, 1697. After some personal 
bequests, he " appoints his executor to dispose of at his dis- 
cretion to such persons as to him shall seem meet, all his 
philosophical writings, sermon notes, pamphlets, mathematical 
instruments, and other rarities." He bequeathed fifty pounds 
to the president and fellows of Harvard College, for the use of 
the college, and left his houses and lands in this town, and 
in Cornwall, England, and the rest of his estate, to his two 
nephews, Charles and John Morton, and his niece, Mary Mor- 
ton, to be equally divided among them. 

An elegant and complimentary Latin epitaph upon Mr. Morton, 
was composed by his successor, the Rev. Simon Bradstreet. 1 

In the month of May, the worshipful James Russell was 
appointed to declare to the town, the election of Mr. Bradstreet 
as their pastor, and to request their concurrence. This having 
been accorded, Mr. Bradstreet signified his acceptance, and was 
ordained October 26, 1698. 

Mr. Bradstreet was the son of the Rev. Simon Bradstreet, the 
first minister of New London, Connecticut, in which place he 
was born, and grandson of Simon Bradstreet, one of the most 
distinguished of the Pilgrim fathers, and for many years a 
popular governor of the colony. He graduated at Harvard 
College, in 1693, and his ministry was a long one, of more 
than forty years' duration. He was a man of great learning, 
strong mind, and lively imagination; but in the latter part of 



l Note 40. 

15 



114 

his life became so hypocondriacal, that he was afraid to preach 
in the pulpit, from an impression that he should die there. 
In consequence of this, he delivered his sermons in the dea- 
cons' seat ; they were generally extempore, and pervaded with 
the melancholy which attached so morbidly to his own mind. 
His style of preaching was rather practical than doctrinal — for 
the most part upon the state of man and the vanity of the 
world ; and this, together with his fondness for Tillotson's 
sermons, exposed him to the charge of Arminianism. He sel- 
dom if ever appeared with a coat, but always wore a plaid 
gown, and was commonly seen with a pipe in his mouth. But 
it was (principally for his classical attainments that Mr. Brad- 
street was distinguished ; and in illustration of this, an anec- 
dote is told of him, that when introduced to Governor Burnet, 
who was himself a fine scholar, it was said of him by Lieu- 
tenant Governor Taylor, who introduced him, " Here is a man 
who can^whistle Greek." * 

For about fifteen years, Mr. Bradstreet performed the duties of 
his office alone. In the month of June, 1712, a committee was 
appointed by the town to confer with him respecting the selec- 
tion of a colleague. The church acceded to the desire of the 
town, and both concurred in the appointment of a day of fast- 
ing and prayer for the blessing of God " in such a weighty and 
important undertaking." After this, the church nominated 
Rev. Messrs. Joseph Stevens, John Webb, and John Tufts ; 
and from these three the town proceeded to ballot, and chose 
Mr. Stevens. Having accepted the invitation, he was ordained 
October 13, 1713. The sacred charge was given him by the 
Rev. Dr. Increase Mather, and the right hand of fellowship by 
his son Dr. Cotton Mather. Mr. Stevens preached his own 
ordination sermon, taking for his text Daniel xii. 3: " And they 
that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament j 
and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever 
and ever." 

Judge Sewall, who was present, says that "Dr. Cotton 
Mather made an august speech, shewing that the Congrega- 



1 Jucl^u Russell <»f this place, who died 17°8, at the age of 83, was present, a young lad, 
and witnessed the introduction. 1 Aiass. II. S. Coll. viii. 75. 



115 

tional churches declared early against Independency, that all 
the reformation of the continent of Europe ordained as New 
England did ; shewed that their ordination had no other 
foundation. Declared what was expected of the ordained per- 
son, what of the church, and then gave the right hand of 
fellowship. 1 The three last staves of the thirty-second Psalm 
sung. Captain Phips set the tune, and read it." 

An ordination occasion was formerly one of general puhlic 
interest, and was celebrated with considerable expense. Fifty 
pounds were raised to defray the charges of the ordination of 
Mr. Stevens, an amount equal to half a year's salary. 

Mr. Stevens was a son of Deacon John Stevens, of the First 
or North church of Andover, where he was born 20th of June, 
1682. He graduated at Harvard College, 1703, of which he 
became a tutor and fellow. He preached his first sermon at 
Marblehead, September 16, 1705, on Matt. xvi. 26, at the age of 
twenty-three. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain 
the whole world and lose his own soul ? or what shall a man 
give in exchange for his soul?" Mr. Stevens, like the elder 
Shepard, was cut off in early manhood, and by the same dis- 
ease ; but he has left behind him an unspotted and enviable 
name. He was distinguished for his fervor and eloquence as a 
preacher ; and the various excellencies of his character won 
the affections of his people in a remarkable degree. 

The next event of importance, after the ordination of Mr. 
Stevens, was the erection of a new meeting-house, in 1716. 

It will be remembered that the Government House, or "Great 
House," as it was called, was purchased by the town, in 1633, 
and was the first edifice occupied for public worship. In two 
or three years, however, this was sold, and a meeting-house 
built further up town, " between the town and the neck ; " but 
this arrangement was only a temporary one. In 1639, the house 
was sold for one hundred pounds, and a new meeting-house 
built on the south side of the town hill. This house, having 
been frequently repaired and enlarged, remained till 1716, about 
seventy-five years. On the 21st of June, 1715, it was voted by 
the town, unanimously, to build a new meeting-house, to stand 

1 •• Oct. 13, 1713. I made the prayer before the sermon, and 1 gave 'lie fellowship of the 
churches in a large speech, wherein I enjoyed the signal assistance of God." — Cotion 
Mather's M 8. journal m the library of the Aniiq. Sec., Worcester. 



116 

as near the old one as can be, with such additions of land as 
shall be needful for it." The building committee were then 
chosen, and consisted of the following persons : " Col. John 
Phillips, Col. Joseph Lynde, Capt. Nathaniel Carey, Capt. Sam- 
uel Phipps, Capt. Charles Chambers, Capt. Jonathan Uows, 
Capt. Michael Gill, Doct. Thomas Greaves, Capt. Samuel Froth- 
ingham, Mr. Daniel Russell, and Mr. Nathaniel Frothingham." 

The house was raised June 20th, 1716. Judge Sewall tells 
us in his MS. journal, that he went over to Charlestown on the 
morning of this day, and " drove a pin in Charlestown meeting- 
house, in the corner post next Mr. Bradstreet's, and sat in the 
nearest shop and saw them raise the third post towards the 
ferry from the corner post." It was opened for the public wor- 
ship of God, for the first time, August 5, 1716. The first 
lecture l in the new meeting-house, was preached on the 21st of 
September, by Mr. Stevens, from Psalm lxxxiv. 4: "Blessed 
are they that dwell in thy house." "He made," says Judge 
Sewall, "a very good discourse, worthy to be printed." On 
the 20th of May, 1717, the committee chosen to build the 
meeting-house, reported that, ".by the blessing of God," they 
had completed the work. The cost was £1,899 3s. 10c?. 
The sum received from the contributors, amounted to £1,925. 
This meeting-house was in the square, as is well known, and 
is still remembered by some among us. It stood till the day of 
the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, and then " our holy, 
and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, O 
Lord, was burned up with fire, and all our pleasant things were 
laid waste." 

Mr. Stevens's life was a short one ; but of his ministry and 
personal character, there remain to us some interesting memo- 
rials of which I shall make mention in the next Lecture. 

Of Mr. Bradstrcet I have been able to obtain little, beyond 
the few particulars already given. By the kindness, how- 
ever, of a descendant of his, I have been put in possession 
of a manuscript volume, belonging to the family, and handed 
down to the late Miss Catharine Bradstreet of this town. It 
consists of the compositions of Mrs. Anne Bradstreet, the dan- li- 
ter of Governor Dudley, and wife of Governor Bradstreet, who 

i Note u. 



117 

may not invidiously be called the most distinguished female 
character and writer of the first generation. Her poems were 
frequently published, and were held in high repute in their 
day. Cotton Mather has preserved the following high-wrought 
epigram composed upon these poems, which will serve to show 
us how much admired she was as an authoress. 



" Now I believe tradition, which doth call 
The muses, virtues, graces, females all, 
Only they are not nine, eleven, or three ; 
Our authoress proves them but an unity. 
Mankind, take up some blushes on the score; 
Monopolize perfection hence no more. 
In your own arts confess yourselves outdone ; 
The moon hath totally eclipsed the sun: 
Not with her sable mantle muffling him, 
But her bright silver makes his gold look dim : 
Just as his beams force our pale lamps to wink, 
And earthly fires within their ashes shrink." 



This manuscript volume of hers, in her own hand-writing, is 
dedicated to her " Dear Son Simon Bradstreet," the father of 
our minister, and contains seventy-seven "Meditations, Divine 
and Moral," which she had intended to continue through the 
volume, as we are told in a note written by her son, " but was 
prevented by death." 

I wish I had space to present copious extracts from these 
truly wise and pious meditations ; they evince not only a 
thoughtful experience of life, but also a tender and chastened 
spirit of piety. Sure I am that no mother, who loves her 
children with a Christian as well as natural affection, can read 
these expressions of maternal love without having her sensi- 
bilities touched, and feeling herself quickened in duty. I will 
extract the first seven or eight meditations in the order in 
which they are written. 

" 1. There is no object that we see, no action that we do, no 
good that we enjoy, no evil that we feel or fear, but we may 
make some spiritual advantage of all ; and he that makes such 
improvement is wise as well as pious. 

" 2. Many can speak well, but few can do well. We are 
better scholars in the theory than the practique part ; but he is 
a true Christian that is a proficient in both. 



118 

" 3. Youth is the time of getting, middle age of improving, 
and old age of spending. A negligent youth is usually attended 
by an ignorant middle age, and both by an empty old age. He 
that hath nothing to feed on but vanity and lies, must needs lie 
down in the bed of sorrow. 

"4. A ship that bears much sail, and little or no ballast, is 
easily overset ; and that man whose head hath great abilities, 
and his heart little or no grace, is in danger of foundering. 

" 5. It is reported of the peacock, that, priding himself in his 
gay feathers, he ruffles them up ; but, spying his black feet, he 
soon lets fall his plumes. So he that glories in his gifts and 
adornings should look upon his corruptions, and that will damp 
his high thoughts. 

" 6. The finest bread hath the least bran, the purest honey 
the least wax, and the sincerest Christian the least self-love. 

" 7. The hireling that labors all the day, comforts himself 
that when night comes he shall both take his rest and receive 
his reward. The painful Christian, that hath wrought hard in 
God's vineyard, and hath borne the heat and drought of the 
day, when he perceives his sun apace to decline, and the shad- 
ows of his evening to be stretched out, lifts up his head with 
joy, knowing his refreshing is at hand. 

" 8. Downy beds make drowsy persons, but hard lodging 
keeps the eyes open. A prosperous state makes a secure 
Christian, but adversity makes him consider." 

These meditations are not selected, but the first eight in 
order. The last, the seventy-seventh, is as follows : 

"77. God hath by his providence so ordered that no one 
country hath all commodities within itself, but what it wants, 
another shall supply, that so there may be a mutual commerce 
through the world. As it is with countries, so it is with men ; 
there was never yet any one man that had all excellencies, let 
his parts natural and acquired, spiritual and moral, be never so 
large, yet he stands in need of something which another man 
hath, perhaps meaner than himself, which shows us perfection 
is not below, as also that God will have us beholden one to 
another." 

The volume I am describing contains also, in the hand- 
writing of hei son, another production of Mrs. Bradstreet's, 
entitled, 



119 

" A true copy of a book left by my honored and dear mother 
to her children, and found among some papers after her death." 
The manuscript begins thus : 



" TO MY DEAR CHILDREN. 

' This book, by any yet unread, 
I leave for you when I am dead ; 
That, being gone, here you may find 
What was your loving mother's mind. 
Make use of what I leave in love, 
And God shall bless you from above. A. B. 



" My dear Children, — I knowing by experience that the 
exhortations of parents take most effect when the speakers 
leave to speak, and those especially sink deepest which are 
spoke latest ; and being ignorant whether on my death-bed I 
shall have opportunity to speak to any one of you, much less to 
all ; thought it the best, whilst I was able, to compose some short 
matters (for what else to call them I know not) and bequeath 
to you, that when I am no more with you, yet I may be daily 
in your remembrance (although that is the least in my aim, in 
what I now do) but that you may gain some spiritual advantage 
by my experience. I have not studied in this you read to show 
my skill, but to declare the truth ; not to set forth myself, but 
the glory of God. If I had minded the former, it had been 
perhaps better pleasing to you ; but seeing the last is the best, 
let it be best pleasing to you." 

She then proceeds to give an account of "God's dealing 
with her from her childhood to that day ; " the influences 
under which her religious character was trained ; the afflictions 
through which she had been carried by trust in God. There 
are interwoven with this personal narrative, quite a number of 
original hymns and poems, which are imbued with the same 
deeply religious spirit as her prose compositions. 

I cannot look upon this relic of the piety and parental faith- 
fulness of a by-gone age, without peculiar interest and emotion. 
The solicitude which this Puritan mother exhibits for the eter- 
nal welfare of her children in the lines she penned and left for 
them to read "when she was dead," appeals to the tenderest 
sensibilities of the heart. Although her poetry will not com- 



120 

pare with that of many female writers of the present day ; yet 
the mother and the Christian spoke in every line she wrote — 
a meed of praise to which but few of the daughters of song 
can lay claim. That woman deserves more of posterity, and 
has a better title to immortality, who, like Mrs. Bradstreet, 
by her wisdom and piety has bequeathed a sanctifying influ- 
ence to generation after generation of her descendants, than 
she, who, Sappho-like, has caught the inspiration of genius, 
and poured forth the sweetest strains of poesy. 

When Mrs. Bradstreet came to this country, although it was 
from the bosom of cultivated society to a wilderness, she did it 
without repining ; for she was sustained by a lofty faith, and 
a Christian mother's heart, desiring for her children a crown 
of life, rather than earthly distinctions. But her maternal faith- 
fulness was no more marked than the blessing with which 
God followed her exertions, and sealed his fidelity to that 
covenant in which he engages to be the God of the believer 
and of his children after him. Her son, who bore her hus- 
band's name, and to whom she dedicated her " Meditations," 
spent his days in the ministry at New London ; and his son 
was the pastor of this church for forty years. The fourth 
who bore the name of Simon Bradstreet, (the son of the last 
named,) was a baptized child of this church, and spent his life 
in the ministry at Marblehead. The reverence he was taught 
to feel for his pious ancestor is testified by this book, for he 
translated her letter of dedication to his grandfather into Latin, 
and also began the translation of the meditations. 

Anna Bradstreet, her children, and children's children, to 
the third and fourth generations, now sleep in death ; but her 
influence lives, — how widely God only knows, how happily 
eternity only will reveal. Christian mothers! your influence 
must also live to mould the character and destiny of your pos- 
terity. May God give you grace that when you and your 
children appear in his presence, it may be to rejoice together 
in the fruits of parental faithfulness ! 



LECTURE VII. 



Psalm cxxvi. 3 — 6. 

The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are gi.ad. Tcrh 
again our captivitv, o lord, as the streams in the south. they that sow 

IN TEARS SHALL REAP IN JOY. He THAT GOETH FORTH AND WEEPETH, BEARING 
PRECIOUS SEED, SHALL DOUBTLESS COME AGAIN WITH REJOICING, ER1NGING HIS 
SHEAVES WITH HIM. 

We resume our narrative to mention the death of Mr. Stevens, 
and to add some particulars respecting his character. I have 
already said that his ministry was a short one, extending through 
a period of only eight years ; he was suddenly cut down in the 
fortieth year of his age, and in the midst of his usefulness, by 
the small-pox, a distemper which had now for the second time 
spread death through the town, and for the second time stricken 
down the shepherd of this flock. 

We can, at this distance of time, form but a faint conception 
of the distress and agitation of mind, which the ravages of this 
disease occasioned. The rich and the poor were attacked 
indiscriminately ; almost every house was filled with mourning, 
and some families were nearly exterminated. The register of 
deaths contains the names of one hundred and seventeen who 
died in this place of the small pox in the space of about six 
months ; during the same period, about eight hundred died in 
the town of Boston. But no family appears to have suffered 
more severely than that of our pastor, the Rev. Mr. Stevens ; 
taking the disorder, probably, as his predecessor, Mr. Shepard 
had done, by visiting his dying parishioners, he deceased on the 
16th of November, 1721, and on the same day his only daugh- 
ter, his wife's sister, and her servant. His son Joseph fell a vic- 
tim to the distemper ten days after, and his widow on the 8th of 
16 



122 

the following month. So that of a family which, on the 16th of 
November, numbered a father, mother, daughter, and two sons, 
on the 8th of the following month only one remained, an infant 
son of seven months. This member of the family, however, 
was spared, and having completed his education, entered the 
ministry, and was settled at Kittery, in Maine, where he distin- 
guished himself as a preacher, and became extensively known 
as the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Stevens. His daughter married the 
late Dr. Buckminster of Portsmouth, and became the mother of 
the Rev. Joseph Stevens Buckminster, late pastor of Brattle- 
street church, Boston. 

The sudden and afflictive circumstances attending the death 
of Mr. Stevens, appear to have produced a deep sensation. He 
was at this time preaching a series of discourses on Hebrews 
xi. 16: "But now they desire a better country, that is, an 
heavenly." The subject of his first discourse was, " That 
there is another world after this, even an heavenly." On the 
5th of November, he preached the second of this series, which 
was the last he ever delivered, in which, with great elevation 
of thought and feeling, he endeavored to show " that the 
heavenly world is a better world than this." In the two next 
discourses, it was his purpose to show that we should chiefly 
desire this better country, and that all true believers do so ; but 
before the middle of the week, he was seized with the pesti- 
lence, and died on Thursday of the week following, but not 
alone, for on Saturday evening his only daughter, and his 
sister, were borne with him and laid in the same tomb. A 
most affecting illustration of the instability of all human plans ! 
Before he had finished a short course of four sermons on the 
heavenly country, he was called to enter it, and experience the 
joys he was designing to portray for the benefit of his people. 
And such was the interest with which these discourses were 
listened to, and so cherished his memory, that, at the request of 
many of the flock, they were published, under the superintend- 
ence of the Rev. Dr. Colman, minister of the Brattle-street 
church, Boston, who prefaced them with some account of their 
author. 

Prom this source, we learn that Mr. Stevens was possessed 
of great personal beauty, and no less distinguished for the bril- 
liant qualities of his mind. His countenance was grave and 



123 

florid, of a sweet expression, and full of life and vigor. He 
excelled in conversation, and the modesty of his deportment, 
gave a singular grace to an air of superiority and dignity that 
was natural to him. In the delivery of his sermons, he was 
distinguished for his animation ; his eyes as well as his tongue 
were wont to speak with such majesty as well as solemnity, 
as commanded the ears and hearts of his audience. Indeed, 
his natural accomplishments were such, that while they formed 
a distinguished divine, they might have qualified him equally 
as a judge or commander, had Providence called him to the 
bench or the field. 

"The first time I saw Mr. Stevens," says Dr. Colman, "he 
gained my esteem. It was as he stood for his first degree, 
when he so distinguished himself in the exercise for the day, 
that I sought out his chamber to encourage him in his studies, 
and congratulated his father upon the favor of God to him in so 
promising a son. Others also, better judges than I, spake of 
him that day with great esteem and applause ; nor did he fail 
the expectations he had raised in us. Being formed by the 
Father of spirits for thinking, and loving his studies, he soon 
became eminent for his years in acquired learning, and was 
chosen a tutor in the college whereof he was an ornament. 
From the college he was called into the pastoral office at Charles- 
town ; and a precious gift of Christ he was to them, to whom 
I need not say how he was among them, laboring in the word 
and doctrine, and ministering to their souls. He was eloquent 
and fervent in the pulpit, solemn in praying and preaching, 
cheerful and grave in his common conversation, wise in his con- 
duct, gentle as a father, and naturally caring for the flock, 
endearing and endeared ; more especially he was an example of 
profound respect to the senior pastor, the Rev. Mr. Bradstreet, 
who, through the favor of God, still continues with us, and is 
every way the fittest person to have prefaced these sermons, 
and most able to have spoken of his dear deceased colleague, 
who was with him as a son with a father in the work of the 
ministry. In short, he was a pastor deservedly beloved and 
desired by his people. I might justly repeat here much of the 
character that was given some years ago, upon the death of the 
Rev. Mr. Brattle and Mr. Pemberton, the beauties of whose 
souls seemed to survive in Mr. Stevens ; the meekness of the 



124 

one, and the fervor of the other. How bright this shade ! He 
was early chose a fellow of the corporation, and of a dutiful 
and affectionate son, he became a careful and tender father, and 
a very faithful servant of the college, of the rights and interests 
whereof he was a wise and religious judge. When I remem- 
ber the spirit and force with which he conversed and taught 
among us, methinks he yet seemed meant for many a year to 
come, and that his children's children might have known his 
aged face, and been taught by him ; but the burning and 
shining light was lent us for a few days to rejoice in ; and who 
shall say unto Him that formed and gave him, why is lie so 
soon taken away ? To himself it seemed not too soon or 
sudden, being helped by God to meet his death with a most 
happy composure, calmness, constancy, serenity and peace ; 
committing himself to God with becoming devotion, naming 
and taking leave of his friends with devout affection, praying 
for the flock, and blessing his family with his dying breath. 
But the sovereignty of God is unsearchable in the great and 
wide breaches on his family ; himself, his wife and two child- 
ren dying of the small-pox within a few weeks, and only one 
single branch left, his Benjamin ! whose blessing let be (by the 
will of God) according to his name : ' Beloved of the Lord, 
and dwelling in his temple and covered by his sanctuary. 
Deut. xxxiii. 12.' " 

I have also been put in possession of a manuscript volume, 
originally owned by Mr. Stevens, in which he has written a 
sermon, and various memoranda of a literary and personal char- 
acter. 1 The sermon was preached by him, on the 23d of 
August, 1707, and is, therefore, one of his earliest discourses. 
It is founded upon Luke xiii. 2, 3 : " And Jesus answering, said 
unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above 
all the Galileans because they suffered such things ? I tell you 
nay ; but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish." It is 
a very serious and pungent discouse, teaching " that the 
sharpest miseries, or saddest periods of this life are no demon- 
strative arguments to conclude the greatest sinners ;" and "that 
all those who do not unfeignedly repent of their sins will 
certainly perish." And having discussed these points at con- 

' Nole 42. 



125 

siderable length, he concludes with a doxology to the Holy 
Trinity. 

After the death of Mr. Stevens, Mr. Bradstreet was without 
any settled assistant for more than two years, until February 
5th, 1724, when the Rev. Hull Abbot was ordained associate 
pastor. This gentleman was a native of Boston, where he was 
born June 15, 1702. His father appears to have followed the 
seas, for he was lost at sea in February, 1718, when his son 
was between fifteen and sixteen. He was educated at Har- 
vard College, and is said to have been the first student who 
received assistance from the Hollis fund. In the year 1731, 
27th July, he became united by marriage to Mary Bradstreet, 
the daughter of the senior pastor of the church. Mr. Abbot 
was pastor of the church for more than fifty years. For about 
fifteen years he was associated with his father-in-law, in per- 
forming the labors of the ministry ; but the infirmities of Mr. 
Bradstreet rendering him unable to preach, the people became 
desirous of having another minister settled, and accordingly the 
Rev. Thomas Prentice was installed an associate pastor, October 
3d, 1739. 1 The death of Mr. Bradstreet took place on the 31st 
December, 1741. 

We have now arrived at a period when it will be necessary 
to say something of the state of practical religion. It was 
under the joint ministry of Abbot and Prentice, and very soon 
after the settlement of the latter, that the Great Awakening 
commenced in this region, under the preaching of the elo- 
quent Whitefield and other divines of our own country. To 
account for the great excitement of this period, and the wide- 
spread consequences for good and evil which followed from it, 
we must begin with the religious declension that preceded it, 
and the causes which for a long time had been operating to 
bring on this declension. The churches, and to no inconsidera- 
ble extent the ministry, had undergone a material change from 
what they were originally ; their creed indeed remained the 
same, but the spirit with which they held it, was a very differ- 
ent one from that of the fathers. Evidence of personal religion 
not being strictly required of those who approached the sacra- 
ments of the church, a profession of religion, as it became more 

i Note 43. 



126 

general, became less significant than formerly. The members 
of the church were, in not a few instances, confessedly igno- 
rant of experimental religion. A similar degree of laxity in 
admitting candidates to the ministry, had produced similar re- 
sults, and the character of the clergy corresponded, as it always 
will, with that of the churches. 

This unhappy decline was caused in the first instance, per- 
haps, by the connection of our churches with the state. It is 
to be remembered that at the time our country was settled, the 
independence of church and state was a thing entirely unknown 
throughout Christendom ; nor was it supposed possible that 
either could exist without the assistance of the other. Our 
Puritan fathers, in the establishment of their civil and eccle- 
siastical institutions, went further than any before them had 
ever gone in rendering the church independent of the state ; but 
still there was a real union between the two. No man could 
vote or hold an office unless he were a member of the church. 
This principle, although in all its modifications it is unjust and 
hurtful, would have been accompanied with less inconvenience 
in practice, had the terms of communion been in this country, 
what they were in England, a good moral character, or rather 
exemption from scandalous vices. But when it came to be 
applied in connection with the very strictest terms of commu- 
nion — distinct and satisfactory evidence of regeneration — a 
condition of membership which was regarded by the fathers 
as essential to the life of our churches ; it became of all princi- 
ples the most preposterous and pernicious. For as a matter 
of course, when church-membership was a condition of the 
right of suffrage, it became an object of worldly ambition, as 
much as any tiling else which might be necessary to obtain 
the rights of a freeman. At first, the number of those who 
were outside of the pale of the church was comparatively 
small ; but very soon, by the rapid increase of population, and 
by continual immigrations from England, not only the number, 
but the proportion of the disfranchised was increased, and 
thousands began to clamor for their rights. It required but 
little acquaintance with human nature to foresee, that, as a con- 
sequence of this ill-advised law, the constitution of the churches 
would be trampled under foot, and the strict terms of com- 



127 

munion, established by the fathers, be reduced so as to extend 
the right of suffrage to the multitudes who desired and deserved 
it. This result was at length effected, not indeed by the 
aggrieved, but by those who introduced the half-way-covenant, 
a covenant which went half way to full communion, far enough 
to give those who embraced it the right of church-member- 
ship, and the privilege of baptism for their households, but not 
far enough to entitle them to partake of the Lord's supper. It 
required that those who entered into it, should renew their 
baptismal vows, and subject themselves and their families to 
the watch and discipline of the church. Had the theory of 
that covenant been carried out, it might have been the source 
of all the good anticipated ; but probably it was the vice of the 
system that it could not be carried out faithfully. It was 
looked upon by many as a form, devised to procure a respecta- 
ble standing in the community ; and it was practiced as a form, 
with no intention to discharge the duties, or submit to the dis- 
cipline it implied. In this way it happened that the discipline 
of the churches was neglected ; indeed, so numerous had the 
children of the covenant become, that it became well nigh im- 
possible to exercise a faithful discipline, inasmuch as almost the 
whole community were members of the church by baptism. 

In addition to these causes, it became, about the beginning 
of the eighteenth century, the prevailing opinion that the sacra- 
ment of the Lord's supper was a converting ordinance, and con- 
sequently that all who were seriously disposed to use the means 
of grace, were to be invited to it. This of course put an end 
to discipline, and soon destroyed the distinctive character of the 
churches. It was also disseminating a new theology, which 
taught that man's duty was to attend upon the means of grace, 
in hope that God would, at some future time, see fit to bestow 
renewing grace. This was the seminal principle of Arminian- 
ism, as distinguished from Calvinism. The first-mentioned 
system did not deny any of the cardinal doctrines of the Scrip- 
tures, but was chiefly to be distinguished from the last by its 
practical spirit. The Arminian, while he admitted the doc- 
trines of the Gospel, would speak rather of its precepts ; while 
he believed in the necessity of regeneration by the Spirit of 
God, and the doctrine of justification by faith alone, he would 
exhort sinners to the faithful performance of moral duties, trust- 



128 

ing in God that he would secretly perform his work in the 
heart. Such was the state of things the first quarter of the 
eighteenth century. Arminianism was not publicly avowed, 
for it was generally the people's abhorrence ; but it was secretly 
cherished, and it was gradually gaining strength in conse- 
quence of the lax practices of the church. In a word, it was 
the beginning of an apostasy from the principles of the fathers, 
which has issued in the present century in a division of the 
Congregational churches into two denominations. 

In the book of admissions to the church, we find the years 
1728 and 1741, distinguished for the number received into our 
communion. The first mentioned, was the year after the great 
earthquake, which took place October 29, 1727, and shook the 
whole country north of the Delaware river. It was on the 
night of the Sabbath, a calm and serene evening. "About 
forty minutes past ten o'clock," says Mr. Prince, pastor of 
the Old South church, " was heard a loud, hollow noise, 
like the roaring of a great chimney on fire, but inconceivably 
more fierce and terrible. In about a half a minute, the earth 
began to heave and tremble. The shock increasing, rose to the 
height in about a minute more ; when the movables, doors, 
windows, walls, especially in the upper chambers, made a very 
fearful clattering, and the houses rocked and crackled, as if 
they were all dissolving and falling to pieces. The people 
asleep were awakened with the greatest astonishment ; many 
others affrighted, ran into the streets. But the shaking quickly 
abated, and in another half minute, entirely ceased." l The 
next morning a large assembly convened in the North church, 
Boston, for religious services ; and in the evening, the First and 
South churches were crowded with attentive auditories. The 
ministers availed themselves of this opportunity, and preached 
the gospel with renewed faithfulness to an awakened people. 
And as a consequence of these efforts, and by the blessing of 
God, large numbers were added to the several churches in 
Boston, and upwards of seventy to the communion of our own 
church during a period of six months. In the year 1735, a 
remarkable attention to religion took place in Northampton, 
under the ministry of the Rev. Jonathan Edwards. This may 

1 Wisncr's Hist O. S. Chh. p. 25. See also Note 44. 



129 

be regarded as the commencement of the "Great Awakening." 1 
It was a scene which I need not describe, for happily the grace 
of God has so multiplied them, that we are all familiar with 
them. " The town," says Edwards, " seemed to be full of the 
presence of God : it never was so full of love, nor so full of joy, 
and yet so full of distress as it was then. There were remark- 
able tokens of God's presence in almost every house. — Our 
public assemblies were then beautiful ; the congregation was 
alive in God's service, every one earnestly intent on the public 
worship, every hearer eager to drink in the words of the min- 
ister as they came from his mouth ; the assembly in general 
were, from time to time, in tears while the word was preached ; 
some weeping with sorrow and distress, others with joy and 
love, others with pity and concern for the souls of their 
neighbors." 2 

But there was no general religious movement in this vicinity 
until the autumn of 1740, when the Rev. George Whitefield 
arrived in Boston, being invited by some of the most eminent 
ministers and laymen. The week after his arrival, he preached 
in this place, and says, " A gracious melting was discernible 
through the whole congregation, and I perceived much freedom 
and sweetness in my own soul." And again he preached in 
this place a short time after (being accompanied by Mr. Cooper, 
of the Brattle street church, in Boston) "with much demonstra- 
tion of the Spirit," and collected £156 for his orphan house — a 
sum of money which shows how powerfully his magic eloquence 
wrought upon the benevolent sympathies of the people. 

Mr. Whitefield remained in this vicinity about a month, 
preaching to immense congregations, and with results apparently 
the most happy. After he left, the attention of the people 
continued, and for two years, the revival seemed to deepen and 
extend. 

" In this year, 1741," says Mr. Prince of Boston, " the very 
face of the town seemed to be strangely altered. Some who 
had not been here since the fall before, have told me their 
great surprise at the change in the general look and carriage 

1 For a full history of tliis religious movement, compare Pres. Edwards's " Thoughts on the 
Revival of Religion in New England;" Dr. Chauncey's " Seasonable Thoughts;" Tracy's 
"Great Awakening;" Bacon's "Historical Discourses," and Dutton's "History oi' the 
North Church in New Haven." 

* Edwards's Narrative of Surprising Conversions. 

17 



130 

of people, as soon as they landed. And one of our worthy 

gentlemen expressing his wonder at the remarkable change, 
informed me, that whereas he used with others on Saturday 
evenings to visit the taverns, in order to clear them of town 
inhabitants, they were wont to find many there, and meet with 
trouble to get them away; but now, having gone at those 
seasons again, he found them empty of all but lodgers." l 

About eighty persons appear to have been gathered into our 
church as fruits of this revival. 

Had these been the only consequences of that excitement, 
we should have occasion for unmixed gratitude to God. But a 
wild fanaticism sprung up, to which even the sober and judi- 
cious for a time gave their influence, and which brought the 
genuine work of God into discredit with no small part of the 
community. The fervent piety and Christian zeal of Mr. 
Whitefield, are as unquestionable, as his eloquence and power 
over human hearts. But his career, for brilliancy and success, 
was so bewitching, that many lost sight of its erratic character, 
and seemed to forget that if it should be sanctioned as a pre- 
cedent, it would be the destruction of the regular ministry, and 
in the end productive of infinitely more evil than good. 

The confusion and extravagance which followed in the 
train of the great revival of 1740, constitutes one of the saddest 
and yet one of the most instructive lessons of our religious 
history. There is a great law in the moral world, as in the 
natural, that action and re-action are equal. To whatever 
extent we go beyond the bounds of reason in our efforts 
to promote the cause of truth, to at least an equal extent 
will that cause recede, and error gain ground. Before the 
days of Whitefield, practical religion was, no doubt, at a 
low ebb ; and when the awakening began, one extreme begat 
another — the new movement derived an impulse from the pre- 
vious neglect into which spiritual religion had fallen. But the 
final issues of that religious "awakening," like those of every 
other, have fully proved that true religion can never be per- 
manently advanced, except by the instrumentality of God's 
appointment— a regular and settled ministry. It cannot admit 
of a doubt, that, while Mr. Whitefield's apostolic labors were 

1 Tracy's Great Awakening, p. 120. 



131 

attended by many of the happiest results, they were likewise 
'productive of no small amount of evil, by giving dignity to 
itinerants, who, as a class, always have been injurious to a 
community, in which the institutions of religion are estab- 
lished. 

Mr. Whitefield was succeeded, as might have been anticipated, 
by men who had little else than their zeal to commend them ; 
who, mistaking a blind impulse for a monition of the Spirit of 
God, left their appropriate sphere of action, and taking upon 
themselves the supervision of the ministry, and the care of all 
the churches, proceeded to examine their brethren and fathers 
in the ministry, pronounce upon their character and usefulness, 
and thus trumpet their own censoriousness, while they spread 
division and alienation through the community. These cleri- 
cal itinerants were again, in their turn, imitated and followed by 
lay exhorters, who added ignorance to zeal, and rapidly brought 
their cause into contempt. 

Of the former class, one of the most notorious was the Rev. 
James Davenport, of Southold, Long Island. Impelled by 
enthusiastic impulses, he left his own people unprovided for, 
and began to itinerate among the churches. He arrived at 
Charlestown, Friday evening, June 25th, 1742. Till this 
event, the revival of religion had happily advanced among the 
people. On the Lord's day he attended public worship, and 
communed with this church. From a manuscript journal, 1 I 
learn that Mr. Prentice preached that morning from Matthew 
v. 6 : " Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteous- 
ness, for they shall be filled." In the afternoon Mr. Abbot 
preached from 2 Corinthians v. 14, 15: "For the love of Christ 
constraineth us," &c. ; but Mr. Davenport " stayed at his lodg- 
ings from an apprehension of the ministers being unconverted, 
which greatly alarmed us," says Prince. The next day Mr. 
Davenport went to Boston, and the associated pastors of Boston 
and Charlestown being then assembled, they sent a communica- 
tion to him, and requested an interview, to which he readily 
consented. In the declaration which they published on Friday, 
they say that Mr. Davenport "appeared to them truly pious;" 



1 By the kindness of G. A. Kctte!!, Esq., 1 have been put in possession of several little 
MS. volumes containing very full notes of the sermons preached in Charlestown for many 
successive years. 



132 

but so misguided that he was acting to the great disservice of 
religion, and that they therefore judged it to be their duty not 
to invite him into their places of worship. But they availed 
themselves of this opportunity to repeat their "testimony to the 
great and glorious work of God among them." 

This was signed by the two pastors of this church, and all 
the ministers of Boston, except Dr. Chauncy. 

"By this declaration, however," says Mr. Prince, "many 
were offended ; and some days after, Mr. Davenport thought 
himself obliged to begin in his public exercises to declare 
against us also ; naming some as unconverted, representing the 
rest as Jehoshaphat in Ahab's army, and exhorting the people 
to separate from us : which so diverted the minds of many from 
being concerned about their own conversion, to think and dis- 
pute about the case of others, as not only seemed to put an awful 
stop to their awakenings, but on all sides to roil our passions 
and provoke the Holy Spirit, in a gradual and dreadful measure, 
to withdraw his influence." * 

A disputatious and censorious spirit prevailed ; and lamenta- 
ble was the state of things that ensued after the " great 
awakening." 

So strongly were a large portion of the ministers excited 
against these recent disorders and extravagances, that the Gen- 
eral Convention of Congregational Ministers in Massachusetts, 
at their annual meeting, in May, 1743, bore testimony against 
several errors in doctrine, and disorders in practice ; among 
which were "itinerancy," lay preaching, censorious judgment 
of others, and enthusiastic emotions mistaken for the operations 
of the divine Spirit. 

While all these errors no doubt existed, and as such deserved 
censure, still the action of the Convention gave offence to a 
large proportion of the ministers of the colony, because no 
recognition was made of God's grace in the recent glorious 
awakening. 

Accordingly a meeting was called of such as were "persuaded 
there has of late been a happy revival of religion, through 
an extraordinary divine intluence." About ninety pastors of 
churches responded to this call, and met in Boston, July 7, 1743. 

» Christian Hist. II. '103, <juotcd by Tracy. 



133 

They drew up a paper entitled "Testimony and Advice," 
which was a warm hearted and grateful acknowledgement of 
the grace of God in the late revival, and an earnest exhortation 
against the disorders which had been brought to the prejudice 
of a genuine work of God's grace. This paper was signed by 
most of the ministers in this vicinity, and a large number from 
different parts of New England. The two pastors of this church 
united with fourteen others in signing the Testimony, " for 
the substance of it, excepting that article of itinerancy, or min- 
isters and others intruding into other ministers' parishes without 
their consent, which great disorder they apprehended not 
sufficiently testified against therein." 

In this " Testimony and Advice," they say — 

" We, whose names are hereunto annexed, pastors of churches 
in New England, met together in Boston, July 7, 1743, think 
it our indispensable duty, (without judging or censuring such of 
our brethren as cannot at present see things in the same light 
with us,) in this open and conjunct manner to declare, to the 
glory of sovereign grace, our full persuasion, either from what 
we have seen ourselves, or received upon credible testimony, 
that there has been a happy and remarkable revival of religion 
in many parts of this land, through an uncommon divine influ- 
ence ; after a long time of great decay and deadness, and a 
sensible and very awful withdraw of the Holy Spirit from his 
sanctuary among us." And then after " freely declaring their 
thoughts as to this work of God," they say — 

" And now, we desire to bow the knee in thanksgiving to 
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that our eyes 
have seen and our ears heard such things. And while these are 
our sentiments, we must necessarily be grieved at any accounts 
sent abroad, representing this work as all enthusiasm, delusion 
and disorder." 

That there had been " irregularities, extravagances and dan- 
gerous mistakes," they admitted ; but they regarded them as 
spots in the sun. 

Concerning the statements and views of the pastors attending 
this meeting, Mr. Prince says, that very few complained of 
errors or disorders in the parishes they belonged to ; and that 
others declared that where there had been some disorders at 
first, yet in a little while they saw and owned their mistakes, 



134 

and that both errors and disorders were greatly magnified and 
multiplied, and existed to the greatest degree in those places 
where the ministers opposed the work. 1 

Indeed, it is manifest, that the great body of the pastors were 
disposed to make a just discrimination ; while they acknowl- 
edged with gratitude the fact of the late revival, they were 
opposed to irregular ministrations, and to the excesses with 
which some of the friends of the work were chargeable. 

But besides this moderate class, there were others who were 
verging to opposite extremes. 

There were on the one hand those hot-headed, but well-mean- 
ing men, who were so intent upon immediate results, as to be 
careless of the principles upon which they acted, and the con- 
sequences that were likely to ensue. Of these, the most promi- 
nent was the Rev. James Davenport. But it is due to this 
gentleman to say, that during a portion of his career, he was 
obviously insane, and that he was finally brought to perceive 
his errors, and publish an humble confession. 

There were those on the other hand who confined their at- 
tention to the disorders and errors that were to be found in con- 
nection with the revival, and were unwilling to admit the exis- 
tence of a work of God, but pronounced it all a pernicious enthu- 
siasm. Of these, the principal leader and champion was Rev. 
Dr. Chauncy, one of the pastors of the First church, Boston. 
This gentleman wrote and published much in opposition to 
the religious movements of the day. While Edwards and 
other friends of the revival, from the warmth of their interest 
in it, gave too much encouragement to mere ebullitions of 
excitement, and spoke with indiscreet lenity of errors, which 
they ought pointedly to have condemned ; Dr. Chauncy 
was led by his disgust for the excesses of the day, to 
overlook and deny what was really a " great awakening " 
of our slumbering churches to truth and righteousness. It 
is melancholy as well as instructive, to observe the pro- 
gress of Dr. Chauncy's mind. Putting himself in the attitude 
of an opposer, and starting with premises which were in the 
main both scriptural and reasonable, he prosecuted the course 
he had taken, till he left the platform of the Fathers, and in 

1 Tracy's Great Awakening, chap. xvi. 



135 

the advocacy of heresy, drew after him the venerable church 
of Wilson and Cotton, of which ours had been the twin sister 
and with which, till then, it had been united in the same faith 
and hope. 

The great lesson which the history of this period is 
fitted to teach, is, that the mistakes and indiscretions of the 
friends of truth, are of all the most hurtful, and instead of 
being palliated and forgiven because of their connection, they 
should on that very account be the more severely dealt with. 
One extreme begets another. And when our churches, awaken- 
ing from deep lethargy, pushed certain truths of our religion 
to an extreme which disturbed the analogy of faith, they paved 
the way for the introduction of fundamental error. 



LECTURE VIII. 



Psalm lxxvii. 11 — 13. 

I WILL REMEMBER THE WORKS OF THE LORD ; SURELY I WILL REMEMBER THY 
WONDERS OF OLD. I WILL MEDITATE ALSO OF ALL THY WORK, AND TALK OF THY 

doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary : who is so great a god as 
our God ! 

In the previous Lectures I have detained your attention upon 
memorials of the first century ; — of the last hundred years I 
shall speak more briefly — the facts are for the most part familiar, 
and of some of them the time has not come to write a full and 
impartial history. Besides this, during the last century religion 
occupied a smaller share of the public attention than previously; 
ecclesiastical affairs receded from the field of public discussion, 
and political matters grew in importance and interest, until at 
length the energies of both clergy and people were absorbed in 
the struggle for national independence. I shall, therefore, pass 
very rapidly over our later history, and avoid for the most part 
those personal details which I have made it a point to collect 
in regard to the previous pastors. 

After the great awakening which followed the visit of 
Whitefield to our country, and of which a narrative was given 
in the last Lecture, little or nothing occurred to diversify our 
religious history till the Revolution. The church remained 
under the joint ministry of Rev. Messrs. Abbot and Prentice, 
until the death of Mr. Abbot, which took place April 19, 1774, 
after a ministry of more than fifty years, a longer period of time 
than any other pastor ever served the church. He was honor- 
ably interred by the town, and the body was borne to the grave 
by Dr. Appleton, Mr. Storcr, Dr. Mather, Dr. Byles, Mr. Pren- 



137 

tice and Mr. Cook. He would have completed his seventy- 
second year the 15th of June following. 1 

Mr. Abbot was an orthodox and able minister, and main- 
tained a respectable standing among the clergy of his day. A 
number of his manuscript sermons are among us, and so far 
as I am enabled to judge, they are characterized by sound 
doctrine and ministerial faithfulness. Of his published produc- 
tions, I have perused only a sermon preached before " The 
Honorable Artillery Company, June 2, 1735." ' 2 The text was 
taken from the triumphant song of Moses : " The Lord is a 
man of war." Exodus xv. 3. The discourse maintains the 
doctrine, that " The Lord God of Israel, is eminently a man of 
war." This startling proposition he carries out into the follow- 
ing particulars : " He is the chief and absolute monarch and 
commander of all the creatures which he has made ; he dis- 
poses men's hearts to engage in wars and battles ; he musters 
the forces together, and leads them as their general into the 
field of battle ; he instructs the people in the art and mystery 
of war, and endows them with martial skill and valor ; he hath 
the absolute disposals of all the weapons in the day of battle ; 
he causes it to continue or cease whenever he pleases, and over- 
rules the great events of it, and gives success and victory to 
whomsoever he pleases." From the character of God as thus 
described, he derived the following inferences and reflections: 
" We see something of the majesty and glory of the God of 
Israel, for which he is greatly to be feared and praised by his 
people ; we see hence the lawfulness of war and of the military 
art ; since God is styled a man of war, the office of a soldier 
should be esteemed an honorable profession and employment ; 
since the Holy God is styled a man of war, all soldiers and men 
of war should be holy ; we see hence where soldiers must 
repair for, and to whom they must give the glory of their 
military skill, valor and success in wars, viz., to the God of 
armies, who is eminently a man of war ; we learn that war is a 
most sore and desolating judgment inflicted by the Lord him- 
self." This representation of the divine character and of the 
moral nature of war, would not only be offensive to the advo- 

1 Note 45. * Note 46. 

18 



138 

cates of what are called "peace principles;" but would be 
objected to by all classes of Christians at the present day, as 
being alike untrue to the interpretation of Scripture and to 
the spirit of the gospel. There is no doubt that our fathers 
looked upon war with different feelings from what we are 
accustomed to do ; and that in this respect the spirit of Chris- 
tianity is more correctly apprehended now, than formerly ; yet 
the sermon of which I have just given a synopsis, can hardly 
be looked upon as a faithful index of the public sentiment at 
that day, or indeed of the author's own principles ; it has a 
greater apparent than real contrariety to the reigning opinions 
of modern Christians. But if a choice must be made between 
two extremes, the error of our fathers is a less mischievous 
one than that modern extravagance which denies to individuals 
and communities the inalienable right of self-defence, dissolves 
the bands of government, and supplants the authority of law 
with idle talk of moral suasion. 

The death of Mr. Abbot, left Mr. Prentice the sole pastor of 
the church, and dissolved the last colleague pastorship which has 
existed in this church. There is a tradition that an unhappy 
difference existed between these associate ministers ; and the 
story is probably not altogether without foundation ; and this 
we may believe without charging these excellent men with 
any greater infirmities than belong to men generally. The 
occasion if not the cause for this, lay in the indeterminate and 
somewhat inconsistent relations of two pastors, sustaining the 
same relations to the same people. This infelicity did not 
originally attach to the associate ministry, as established by 
the puritan fathers of our churches. They, you will remem- 
ber, divided the duties of the ministry into two distinct classes, 
to correspond with the scriptural titles teacher and pastor, giving 
to one the business of doctrinal instruction, and to the other 
that of exhortation and pastoral visitation. The only practical 
objection that can be brought against this distinction, is the 
difficulty of maintaining it; — after the death of the elder Shep- 
ardj it seems to have been lost sight of, and each minister was 
settled with the title of pastor, and ordained to the discharge 
of the same duties. Hence arose those practical dilliculties 
which have resulted in the general discontinuance of a col- 



139 

league ministry. No man, however excellent his disposition, 
or superior his qualifications, can work happily and well, unless 
his duties and his rights are clearly defined and carefully 
respected. The experience of mankind, in all the relations of 
life, has shown this to be the principal law upon which the 
harmony of men is dependent ; most of the bickerings and 
alienations of human life, arise in the beginning from a misap- 
prehension of common rights or mutual obligations ; and 
oftentimes the only method of composing these differences, 
notwithstanding the utmost good feeling on one or both sides, 
is that adopted by Abram, when he said unto Lot, " Let there 
be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, for we be 
brethren. Is not the whole land before thee ? Separate thy- 
self, I pray thee, from me : if thou wilt take the left-hand, then 
I will go to the right; or, if thou depart to the right-hand, then 
I will go to the left." That must indeed be a perfect char- 
acter, which, in the continual friction of daily contact, does 
not present unevenness enough to fret and inflame some pecu- 
liarities of disposition in another. It is dangerous to interfere 
with the regular operation of the laws which the Creator has 
established. There can be no unity without some one acknowl- 
edged head ; and without unity there can be no harmony. 
God, therefore, has organized individuals into families, and 
families into communities. Some duties and rights belong ex- 
clusively to the individual ; others to the head of the family ; 
and others again to the head of the community. If these 
relations of society are disturbed, these rights and duties com- 
mingled, confusion and conflict will inevitably be the conse- 
quence, and that too, notwithstanding the utmost excellence 
of personal character. We should be inclined, therefore, to 
refer any differences that may have existed between Mr. Abbot 
and Mr. Prentice, to the confusion of their relations to the 
church ; and would not remember them to the prejudice of 
either, but forget them, or remember them only in connection 
with the important moral lesson they illustrate. 

Mr. Abbot died, as the date shows, just before the outbreak 
of the Revolution. On the 17th of June, in the following year, 
the battle of Bunker Hill was fought, the town reduced to 
ashes, and the people, with their surviving pastor, scattered to 



140 

find temporary homes as they might, in the neighboring towns. 
I may not dwell upon this memorable scene ; it belongs rather 
to the civil than the ecclesiastical historian. It is impossible to 
portray, as without experience it is impossible to conceive, the 
dismay of the people, when flying from their homes, the sepul- 
chres of their fathers, and their ancient sanctuary, they looked 
behind them only to behold one wide conflagration spreading 
desolation from shore to shore. We cannot doubt that as the 
combatants on yonder hill, saw the flames shoot up and wind 
around the spire of our church, till, like a faithful sentinel, the 
first to meet the enemy, it fell first among the dwellings over 
which it had seemed to watch for three quarters of a century ; 
Ave cannot doubt that the sight sent a more desperate determi- 
nation to the hearts of the patriots who were immortalizing 
themselves and the soil on which they stood, by their deeds of 
heroic valor, and deepened, in the minds of the spectators on 
the heights of Boston, the conviction, that the last tie was 
sundered which bound the daughter to the mother country ! 

We cannot tell how much was lost in that conflagration — 
how much that would have cast light upon the antiquities of 
this church and town — how much that might have served to 
connect us with the pilgrim fathers ; our communion plate, 
however, bearing in their inscriptions testimonies of the early 
piety of the church — our ancient and invaluable records, to- 
gether with those of the town, were by some trust-worthy 
hands preserved ; and that this much was accomplished amid 
the bewildering excitement and terrors of that day, cannot fail 
to be a matter of grateful surprise. 

"At this time," say our church records, "upwards of three 
hundred and eighty dwelling houses and other buildings, valued 
at £156,960 18s. 8d., were consumed, and two thousand per- 
sons reduced from affluence and mediocrity, to the most aggra- 
vated exile." 

The Rev. Mr. Prentice retired to Cambridge, where he 
continued to reside during the remainder of his life. In a short 
time, however, the people began to return in considerable 
numbers, and the town to rise again from its ashes. After an 
interval of something like three years, the public worship of 
God, and the ordinances of religion, were re-established under 



141 

the ministry of the now aged Prentice. " The first adminis- 
tration of the Lord's supper," says Mr. Prentice (as quoted by 
Dr. Morse in the church records) " in Charlestown, since the 
destruction by the crudest British enemies, was November 8, 
1778, with great solemnity and fulness of members beyond 
expectation." 

Upon the return of our people, they found themselves much 
in the same situation in which the first settlers were, except 
indeed that their means were more limited, and their condition, 
if possible, more deplorable. Winthrop and some of his com- 
panions possessed handsome fortunes ; very few were poor — 
the body of them being of the middling class. But when the 
exiled inhabitants of Charlestown returned, they came, the 
most of them, with no possessions save the blackened sites of 
their once comfortable homes. They came not, with Win- 
throp, to behold the primitive forests of Mishawum, but to 
look upon a sight more forbidding — a naked and blackened 
soil ; they feared to walk abroad, not lest the Indian should 
way -lay them, but lest they should fall into wells or cellars, 
which the fire had either uncovered or covered only to ensnare. 
Of course they had no fit place for their Sabbath assemblies, 
and, as at the beginning, they were under the necessity of 
fitting up a building erected for another purpose. This was a 
block-house, small, and rudely built, which stood where this 
church edifice now does, and was erected by the enemy, after 
the occupation of the town by their troops. Here the vener- 
able Prentice met his people, and with his characteristic ardor, 
but with many evidences of broken strength, again preached 
to them the word of life. To this sacred hill — the first spot 
cleared by the hand of civilized man, when all around were 
the dark waters and frowning forests of a wild, uncultivated 
country — the spot from which the voice of prayer first as- 
cended, and where the Pilgrims' ' hymn of lofty cheer first 
shook the desert's gloom ; ' hither again, after the lapse of a 
hundred and fifty years, did their children resort to worship 
the God of their fathers, while yonder height was yet fresh 
with the memorials of the recent fight, and black desolation 
reigned over the peninsula. 

I have received from aged members of the church, who 
recollect Mr. Prentice and the congregation of the block-house, 



142 

several interesting anecdotes illustrative of the character of the 
pastor, and the simple habits of the people. They tell us that 
Mr. Prentice was an energetic speaker, and retained his warmth 
of manner to the last, and that sometimes, through the quick- 
ness of his motions, his wig, in those days a principal article 
of dress, would be displaced ; and on such occasions, his 
daughter noislessly ascended the low platform upon which the 
sacred desk was placed, and re-adjusted his head-dress with her 
hands. On one occasion, through the failure of his memory, 
he omitted, for two successive Sabbaths previous to the annual 
thanksgiving, to read the proclamation, and his faithful daughter 
stepped into the aisle, and with filial obeisance, reminded him 
of the omission, which the father gratefully acknowledged, 
but his attempts to perform the duty were, through the in- 
firmity of age, and the confusion of the moment, fruitless, 
and he was relieved by the proffered assistance of one of the 
deacons — Dea. Frothingham. These simple incidents, occur- 
ring as they did, in the solemn worship of God, without 
disturbing the gravity of the worshippers, represent the minis- 
ter in the light of a father giving instruction to his family. 
We are told, that at length, through the utter failure of his 
memory, the pastor preached the same sermon over again in 
the afternoon, which he had just delivered in the morning; 
and this is said to have been the last Sabbath of his public 
ministry. He fell asleep and was gathered to his fathers, on 
the 17th of June, 1782, at the age of eighty. He was honor- 
ably interred in the burying-ground hill, at the expense of the 
town. 1 

About this period of time, an effort was made to rebuild the 
meeting-house. The former meeting-house, it will be remem- 
bered, stood in the square ; but in the month of October, 
1782, the town granted to the parish the Town hill, for the 
purpose of erecting thereon a house for the public worship 
of God, on condition that the building be erected within the 
space of five years. 2 Accordingly, the requisite exertions were 
immediately commenced, and as the people were unable to per- 
form the work without assistance, an appeal was made t<> the 
surrounding towns, by a brief from the legislature, which met 

' Note 47. * Note 48. 



143 

with a generous response ; and in 1783, a meeting-house was 
raised, seventy-two feet long, fifty-two wide, and twenty-seven 
high, to the eaves, with a lofty and beautiful steeple. A bell, 
1300 pounds weight, was presented by Messrs. Champion, 
Dickason and Burgis, merchants of London, through the inter- 
est of Thomas Russell, Esq. l The meeting-house was not 
finished however for a number of years. 

It deserves also to be mentioned here, that a separation took 
place about this time, between the town and parish business. 
Previous to the Revolution, all parish matters were attended to 
in the general meetings of the town ; but subsequently to this, 
the first parish was organized in connection with this church, 
and succeeded to all the rights and duties of the town, in refer- 
ence to the support of the gospel. 2 

For about five years after the death of Mr. Prentice, the 
church and town were without a settled pastor. Public wor- 
ship was, notwithstanding, maintained for the greater part of 
the time ; and when no minister could be obtained, the people 
crossed the ferry and joined some of the congregations in Bos- 
ton. The church and parish made a number of attempts to 
obtain a minister, but without success, until November, 1786, 
when a unanimous call was extended to Mr. Joshua Paine, Jr., 
who accepted it, and was ordained January 10, 1787. This 
gentleman was the eldest son of the Rev. Joshua Paine, minis- 
ter of the church in Sturbridge, in Worcester county. He 
graduated at Harvard College, in 1784, with distinguished 
honor, having the salutatory oration awarded him — the second 
honor of his class. He died in the twenty-fifth year of his 
age, on the 27th of February, 1788, having been pastor of 
the church only thirteen and a half months. His disease was 
the consumption, which he contracted by stooping over a 
low table, upon which he was accustomed to write in his 
study. He is represented by those who knew him, as a young 
man of decided piety, amiable manners, and promising talents 
as a preacher. " His sermons," say our church records, in 
narrating the circumstances of his ordination and early death, 
" exhibited the piety of his heart ; and the exalted and social 

> 2 Mass. H. S. Coll. ii. 170. Note 49. 2 Note 50. 



144 

virtues of his mind secured the esteem and friendship of all his 
acquaintance, and presented an agreeable prospect of his useful- 
ness in the ministry. He was sincerely lamented by all who 
knew him, and especially by the flock committed to his charge." 

But I can in no way bring before you the character of Mr. 
Paine so well, as by quoting from the conclusion of the sermon 
preached on the occasion of his funeral, by the Rev. Dr. 
Thacher, pastor of the Brattle-street church, in Boston. The 
text was taken from Job xiv. 19 : " Thou destroyest the hope 
of man." "Never," says the preacher, "was the declaration 
of the word of God upon which we have been meditating, more 
strikingly verified than it is this day. We had formed the most 
sanguine hopes of the future eminence and usefulness of our 
friend. We rejoiced in the union and harmony which so 
remarkably prevailed in this place. We looked forward to the 
temporal and spiritual prosperity of this town, which its pastor 
appeared so well calculated to promote. We anticipated the 
day when his praise should be in all the churches, and his value 
should be known universally to others, as it was then to his 
particular connections ; and many of us hoped that, instead of 
being called to perform the sad offices which we are now paying 
to his remains, he would have lived to perform them for us ! 

" But God Almighty hath seen it best to disappoint our 
expectations, to destroy our hopes, and to show us that we 
should not trust in princes, nor in the sons of men. We see our 
friend and brother cut off in the morning of his days ; we are 
called once more to mourn with this widowed-church, and we 
are ' sorrowing most of all this day, that we shall see his face no 
more.' 

" There is a melancholy satisfaction in beholding the pictures 
of our friends when they are taken away from us ; but there is 
not only a satisfaction, there is an advantage also in recollecting 
their characters, in recalling to our minds their good properties, 
that we may 'follow them so far as they followed Christ.' 
With this design, and by no means with the intention of flatter- 
ing my departed friend, (for alas ! his ears are closed in eternal 
silence, he can listen no more to the voice of flattery or of 
friendship !) you will permit me to mention some leading traits 
of his amiable character. 



145 

" There is no gift of nature which tends more to promote a 
man's happiness and usefulness, than what is commonly styled 
a good disposition. If a person possesses this disposition, ho 
will conciliate affection and disarm resentment. He will endear 
himself to his friends and cause his enemies to be at peace with 
him. He will unite varying parties. He will prevent the col- 
lisions which stir up strife, and he will secure universal respect 
and esteem. 

"And who, my brethren, possessed this qualification in a 
greater degree than the friend whom we this day lament ? 
Kind, amiable, and conciliating ; diffident of his own merit, 
and ready to acknowledge that of others ; warm in his friend- 
ships, gentle in his manners, and graceful in his deportment, he 
acquired universal esteem and rendered himself greatly useful. 
Those who were the most intimate with him, esteemed him 
the most highly ; and while he enjoyed many friends, he never 
had an enemy. 

" This amiableness of disposition, and gentleness of manners, 
will not render a man respectable, unless he is favored with a 
good natural genius, and with strong powers of mind ; and 
these advantages Mr. Paine, in a great degree, possessed. His 
understanding was good ; his judgment was cool, and his mem- 
ory was strong. He made good use of the advantages which 
an education of the most liberal kind gave him, and honored 
his instructors, while he adorned the university to which he 
belonged. 

" All these talents, all these advantages, he devoted to the 
service of our Lord Jesus Christ in the ministry of the gospel. 
And in this important calling, it pleased God to render him very 
useful, for the little time which he was spared to us. With 
the modesty which becomes a young man, he pretended not to 
decide upon subjects of polemical divinity ; but with the integ- 
rity which is indispensable from the character of a good mil lis- 
ter, he preached ' Jesus Christ and him crucified.' ' Having 
separated himself, he sought and intermeddled with all wis- 
dom ; ' and while he gave to other considerations their due 
weight, he fixed his principles ' on the foundation of the 
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief 
corner-stone.' His sermons were evangelical, judicious and 
practical, and his prayers breathed the spirit of true and genuine 
19 



146 

devotion. In his pastoral office, he naturally cared for the state 
of his flock, and discovered the most earnest desires to promote 
their best interests, for time and eternity. He rejoiced in their 
joy — he mourned in their sorrow, and he took pains to know 
their situation, ' visiting them from house to house.' 

" But piety, true piety, deeply rooted in the heart, and acted 
out in the life, formed the brightest part of this good man's 
character; but his piety was not glaring and ostentatious; it 
proclaimed not itself at the corners of the streets ; but at the 
same time, it scorned to hide itself when it was proper for it to 
appear. It burnt with a pure and a steady flame, and others, 
'beholding it, have glorified their Father, who is in heaven.' 

"A man of this character could not be inattentive to relative 
duties. He must have been dutiful as a son, affectionate as a 
brother, agreeable as a companion, and faithful as a friend. 
That Mr. Paine deserved all these epithets, the tears of those to 
whom he sustained these relations, are an ample testimony. 

"It was this piety which supported him with such exemplary 
patience, through a long and painful sickness. It was his hope 
in the gospel, his reliance on the perfect righteousness of the 
Son of God, which gilded to him the dark valley of the shadow 
of death ! which enabled him to exclaim, in the moment when 
the taper of life was quivering in the socket, and the agonies of 
dissolving nature racked his whole frame, ' O death, where is 
thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death 
is sin, and the strength of sin is the law, but thanks be to God 
who giveth me the victory, through the Lord Jesus Christ ! ' 
It was this hope, this assurance of his interest in the great 
atonement, which enabled him so frequently to say in the awful 
hour of death, ' Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly ! why are thy 
chariot wheels so long in coming ?' and it was his firm faith 
in our divine and glorious Redeemer, which induced him to 
expire with the prayer of the martyr Stephen, 'Lord Jesus, into 
thine hand I commit my spirit,' quivering on his lips! Come, 
my brethren, '•see how a Christian can die!' see the triumphs 
of true religion over the most formidable enemies which are 
known to mankind! 'Mark the perfect man. and behold the 
upright, for the end of that man is peace ! ' * It is but a short 

*" Mf, Paine's modesty and unostentatious disposition did not sufler him to say much dui^ 



147 

time, my brethren of this church and congregation, since we 
rejoiced with you at the introduction of this our beloved brother 
to the work of the ministry among you. At this moment, I 
recollect the exultation of that day, and the bright and agreea- 
ble prospects which were before our eyes ! Your union, your 
spiritual advantage, and the prosperity of this town, newly 
rising from its ashes, were prospects not too flattering for us 
rationally to indulge.'' 

Thus suddenly and mournfully were the prospects of our 
church cut off, just as the people were beginning to fancy them- 
selves secure once more in the enjoyment of their religious 
privileges. And when this bereavement is taken in connection 
with the external condition of the town at that time, it will 
appear the more severe. The people were few in number, and 
limited in pecuniary means. In the year 1785, the houses and 
inhabitants of the town were numbered, and the buildings on 
the peninsula, many of which were temporary and soon taken 
down, were found to be 151, and the population 550. The 
buildings without the neck, were 128, and the population 449. l 

Mr. Paine was the last of a long series of pastors who died 
in the ministry of this church, and were interred in this town. 
For more than one hundred and fifty years an unbroken line of 
ministers, whose united ministry amounts to two hundred and 
seventeen years, died, as they had lived, in the pastoral office, 
and laid down their bones with those of their people. The 
ashes of Symmes, Harvard, the Shepards— father and son, Mor- 
ton, Bradstreet, Stevens, Abbot, Prentice and Paine, all now rest, 



inghis illness. He contented himself with discovering a savor of religion upon his spirit, and 
expressing his submission to the will of heaven. Hut on the last night of his life, in "Inch be 
was attended by his reverend father and another Christian friend, he appeared lo give more 
indulgence to his feelings and to express more plainly the triumphs of eus holy soul. In the 
agonies of death, he not only used the expressions above recited, but exclaimed with a smile, 
' O my Jesus, why may I not come to thee '. Is not my Saviour ready lor me .' 7 but at the 
same time expressed his desire and determination to be patient and to wait God's time. Me 
kept calling upon his father to pray with him and to give him up solemnly lo God, which was 
repeatedly clone ; and iu these solemn offices of religion he expressed the greatest satisfac- 
tion. He appeared to have a very quick sensibility of his pains and distresses, for he said, 
'This is hard work, but this is nothing to what Jesus underwent for me and my sins!' 
When, through extreme weakness, his sight failed him, he called for a candle, but perceiving 
this failure was a symptom of immediate death, he exclaimed, ' I am just going! Farewell, 
all my friends. Farewell all this world!' and then expired with the expression above 
related, in his mouth. There can be no doubt of the exact truth of this account ; it was given 
me by a person of unquestionable veracity who was present, and I thought it proper to pub- 
lish it, to the honor of free grace, and for the support of those saints \\ lio, ' through fear of 
death, are all their life time subject to bondage.' Pious and humble Christians often triumph 
the most sensibly in their last moments, and God causes their setting sun to shine with merid- 
ian brightness. ' May we die the death of the righteous, and may our latter end be like his.' " 
« 2 Hist. Coll. ii. 169. 



148 

with the thousands to whom they ministered, in yonder burying- 
ground. But. what is certainly a remarkable circumstance, you 
will not find a single memorial to designate the spot where their 
once loved and honored remains are deposited. Some of them 
were laid in the ministers' tomb, and this you may distinguish 
by reading upon it the name of Captain Richard Sprague — that 
most munificent benefactor of this church — who left his house 
for the ministers to reside in while they lived, and his tomb that 
they might lie with him when they died. Where the remainder 
were interred, we may conjecture, but cannot know ; their 
sepulchres are indeed with us unto this day ; but we shall strain 
our eyes in vain to decypher the inscriptions they bore — the 
flood of years that has swept over them has worn them nearly 
smooth. Surely, their memories ought not to be suffered to 
perish on the soil, which in life they honored and blest ; and 
it affords me pleasure to witness the cordial manner in which 
the proposition has been received, to place a tablet in the walls 
of our church, upon which their names shall be graven, to 
remind us and those who come after us, of their virtues and 
their services. 1 

In leaving behind us these venerated men, and the times in 
which they lived, and advancing to what remains of our history, 
we leave behind the historic part, and come, almost immedi- 
ately, into the present — agitated with exciting controversies 
that have not yet subsided. Hitherto the children of the Puri- 
tans had been of one faith and communion ; they had walked 
to the house of God in company — they had taken sweet counsel 
together in the social interchanges of a community as closely 
cemented, and homogeneous, as any upon earth. The times 
were now coming for suspicions, heart-burnings, and angry 
discussions, which resulted in the running of division-lines 
through communities, churches and families. The faith which 
bore our Fathers over the waters, for which they braved the 
horrors of the wilderness and of savage warfare, which ulti- 
mately prepared them for, and made them worthy of the largest 
freedom any people ever enjoyed, — this faith was brought into 
discussion ; at first, it was secretly suspected, then indirectly 
attacked, and at last, publicly renounced. Of course, I shall not 

1 Note 51. 



149 



enter into the merits of this controversy ; but the part taken by 
this church makes it not only proper, but necessary that I 
should mention the principal facts which occasioned and ex- 
plained the division of the Congregational churches in Boston 
and Eastern New England into two distinct communions. 



LECTURE IX. 



Ecclesiastes vii. 10. 

SAY NOT THOU, WHAT IS THE CAUSE THAT THE FORMER DAYS WERE BETTER THAN 
THESE? FOR THOU DOST NOT INQUIRE WISELY CONCERNING THIS. 

After the death of Mr. Paine, the church was without a 
pastor for about fourteen months. In the month of November, 
however, a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. Jedidiah 
Morse ; and his installation l as pastor of the chuch took place 
April 30, 1789. The sermon, appropriate to the occasion, was 
preached by the Rev. Jeremy Belknap, ]). D., of the Federal- 
street church, Boston ; the charge was given by the Rev. Mr. 
Jackson, of Brookline, and the right hand of fellowship by the 
Rev. Mr. Osgood, of Medford. 

Of this gentleman's personal history and character, it does 
not enter into my plan to say much. He occupied a large space 
both in the literary and theological world, and to present a full 
account of his varied labors and multiplied services, would far 
transgress my limits. As I intimated in the conclusion of the 
last Lecture, the administration of Dr. Morse was destined to be 
one of general agitation and severe trial. At the period of his 
settlement, and for some time after, although there was not 
entire unanimity of religious sentiment, there was no other 
house of public worship in the town than that in which he 
ministered. Our present religious divisions do not date back 
beyond the beginning of this century. The Baptists erected 
their house of worship in 1800; and the Universalists in 1810. 
But it was not until 1817, that the Congregationalists were 
divided ; in this year, several members of this church were dis- 
missed for the purpose of joining with others in the formation 

> Note 52. 



151 

of a church in a Second Congregational society. 1 This society, 
though Congregational in order, was Unitarian in faith, and 
originated in a controversy which began in 1815, and resulted 
in separating our church into two distinct communions. 

Dr. Morse was prominently, if not principally engaged in 
this controversy, and in effecting a separation, by the suspen- 
sion of exchanges with those clergymen, who embraced the 
tenets of Unitarianism. It is incumbent upon me, therefore, to 
give some account of this great event ; and I shall endeavor to 
do it in the spirit of a Christian, and not of a partizan, by pre- 
senting the facts in the case as I have been able to obtain them 
from authorities on each side of the question. 

It will be unnecessary to recapitulate any of the facts already 
mentioned, for the purpose of showing what the original faith 
of the churches of New England was, or that they were united 
in that faith. As early as 1648, our fathers gave in their 
unanimous adherence to the Westminster Confession ; this they 
did, as they say, that they might express their belief and pro- 
fession of "the same doctrines which had been generally re- 
ceived in all the reformed churches in Europe." And in 1680, 
the churches of the Commonwealth drew up a confession of 
faith, affirming the same doctrines and using nearly the same 
words as the Westminster. This is the authorized faith of 
the Congregational churches — the only faith which has ever 
been professed by the churches assembled by their pastors 
and representatives in synod or council. And this has been 
not only the publicly professed faith of our churches, but it 
has been the real or implied faith of every church calling itself 
Congregational. No doctrine has been taught in our pulpits 
contrary to our received standards, until within thirty years 
past ; previously to this, our churches were in outward fellow- 
ship ; and disbelief, if entertained, was privately expressed. 
But as at the time of the division, a large number of our 
churches, together with the university, were found prepared 
to reject the cardinal doctrines of the orthodox faith, it is ap- 
parent that these doctrines had been a long time discussed and 
secretly rejected by many in the bosom of our churches. The 
history of this change, inasmuch as it was covered, and had 
but few outward events to mark it, cannot be traced and 

'■Not© 53 



152 

developed to the satisfaction of every inquirer. If the causes 
of this defection are sought for, some of them may be dis- 
covered far back in our earliest history ; the first may be found 
in the union of church and state — a union of all the most 
unnatural, but in the time of our fathers, every where estab- 
lished, and supposed by all to be fit and necessary. From this 
union the church has always suffered more than the state. It 
has been injurious to the state, but destructive to the church. 
It increased the power of the civil rulers, but deprived a 
portion of the people of their just rights, and by converting 
the church into an engine of the state, it deprived her of her 
great ornament — the spirituality of her ministry and people. 
The principal tie which connected the church with the state in 
the days of our fathers, was the law which confined the right 
of suffrage to members of the church. This, as I have already 
mentioned, led the way to the adoption of the half-way cove- 
nant ; and so eventually neither membership in the church, nor 
even admission to the ministry, became evidence of an experi- 
mental persuasion of the doctrines professed and taught among us. 
The great religious excitement which preceded and followed 
the visits of Whitefield, created a difference of feeling rather 
than of doctrine among the clergy ; it showed chiefly the differ- 
ent tendencies then in the church ; and it was not before the 
second or third generation, that this difference of sympathy 
resulted in a different system of faith. We have evidence 
that in the latter part of the last century, a few both among 
the clergy and laity, rejected the doctrine of the divinity of 
the Saviour, so that about the beginning of the present 
century, Arianism prevailed quite extensively in Boston and 
its vicinity. The denial of the supreme divinity of the Lord 
Jesus Christ, was the first, and for a long time the only point 
of departure from orthodoxy. Those who had taken this step, 
held that Christ was not equal to the Father, but that he was 
a created being, and yet inconceivably greater than any other 
created being, so that he might be made even the object of wor- 
ship. They who held this doctrine respecting the person of 
Christ, generally held to all the other doctrines of orthodoxy. 
But this stage of religious declension was not of long continu- 
ance ; it prepared the way for a more general skepticism, and 
more vital departures. The tendency of this mode of specu- 



153 

lation was towards the doctrine of the simple humanity of 
Christ, and the utter abolition of the peculiar and mysterious 
doctrines of redemption. At length it came to be generally 
understood, that not a few of our most honored pastors and 
churches were departing rapidly and widely from the faith of 
the Fathers. But notwithstanding the currency and positive- 
ness of these rumors, the certainty of the facts could not be 
ascertained. No tangible and outward evidence of them was 
allbrded ; nor could those who had departed the farthest from 
the doctrines of our confession and catechism, be distinguished, 
except by their studied silence ; they did not preach these 
doctrines, nor yet did they preach against them. The prevail- 
ing sentiment among those who had adopted the new opin- 
ions, was, that opinions were comparatively unimportant, and 
that Christian liberality required us not to insist upon unity of 
faith, or the belief of doctrines as essential to Christianity. 
Accordingly, these brethren were accustomed to admit mem- 
bers to their churches without asking their assent to any creed 
or confession ; and they resolutely opposed the examination of 
candidates for the ministry, or for ordination, or for the chair 
of the professorship of divinity at Cambridge, on those points, 
which are now, as they ever have been, considered essential to 
the Christian faith. Hence, the principal subjects of discussion 
in those days, were not the doctrines of the gospel, but the 
propriety of creeds and subscriptions, and the importance of 
doctrinal belief. Hence, too, it became impossible to know 
what the degree and nature of the unbelief existing in our 
churches was ; it was known only that among those who were 
opposed to creeds and confessions, great diversity of religious 
belief obtained. Hence, too, will be perceived the difficulty of 
writing the history of this change ; it transpired under cover 
of opposition to creeds, and by maintenance of the sentiment 
that doctrinal belief is not an essential part or condition of 
Christian character. This account of the state of our churches 
is one, I believe, in which both parties are agreed ; it corres- 
ponds with the representations of each. 

Affairs were in this posture when memoirs of Rev. Theophi- 

lus Lindsey were published in London, from the pen of the 

Rev. Thomas Belsham, minister of a Unitarian church in that 

city, who devoted a chapter of his work to the subject of 

20 



154 

Unitarianism in this country, disclosing facts which had been 
made known to him in a private correspondence. Dr. Morse 
caused this chapter to be published in a pamphlet form, under 
the title of " American Unitarianism ; or, a brief History of the 
progress and present state of the Unitarian Churches in America, 
compiled from documents and information communicated by 
the Rev. James Freeman, D. D., and William Wells, Jr., Esq., 
of Boston, and from other Unitarian gentlemen in this country." 
This pamphlet passed through several editions, and awakened 
general inquiry. It narrated the circumstances in which the 
first Episcopal church in Boston, then called King's chapel, 
became Unitarian, by expunging from their liturgy, under the 
influence of their pastor, Dr. Freeman, all recognitions of the 
Trinity and atonement ; this event took place in 1785, and 
made this the first Unitarian church in the country. The works 
of Dr. Priestley were also introduced among us, by Dr. Free- 
man, and placed in the library of Harvard College, and in other 
libraries, by which means, as well as by private circulation, 
they were read very extensively. In consequence of these, and 
similar efforts, at a time when there was but one church where 
Unitarianism was publicly professed and taught, its tenets had 
spread very extensively ; and in regard to Boston, in particular, 
most of the clergy and respectable laymen were Unitarian. In 
view of these facts communicated in the private letters men- 
tioned above, Mr. Belsham says near the end of his chapter : 
" Being myself a friend to ingenuousness and candor, I could 
wish to see all who are truly Unitarians, openly such, and to 
teach the doctrine of the simple indivisible unity of God, as 
well as to practice the rites of Unitarian worship." 

The publication of this pamphlet, was followed by a review 
of it in the Panoplist, attributed to the pen of Dr. Morse. The 
question was pressed with great earnestness, whether these 
statements were correct ; and charges of duplicity ami dishon- 
orable concealment began to be made with great bitterness. 
This drew forth the controversy between Dr. Channiuu r and Dr. 
Worcester; and when this, together with the others occasioned 
by it, subsided, the churches and ministers were prepared to 
take their stand either as Unitarian or Orthodox. All the 
ancient churches of Boston were ranged among the advocates 
of the new opinions, with the exception of the Old South. All 



155 

the superiors in age, and all the cotemporaries of our own 
church, left her to stand alone upon the foundation of the 
Fathers ; and the church of Robinson in Plymouth, of Hig- 
ginson in Salem, of Cotton in Boston — all have renounced the 
system of faith in which they were baptized, and for which 
they were nurtured by their pious founders. 

In this manner were the sacred ties of Christian fellowship 
between sister churches severed ; and I envy not that man's 
heart who can contemplate the separation without feelings of 
peculiar sadness. We do not indeed deplore the separation, as 
distinct from the circumstances which led to, and made it 
necessary. On the contrary, since such fundamental differen- 
ces actually existed, it was better that a separation should take 
place. It was better for those who no longer held to the doc- 
trines of the Congregational standards, to declare openly their 
dissent, and advocate boldly their real sentiments ; and it was 
better for those who still maintained the original faith of New 
England, to know with whom they were associated. Each, in 
a separate organization, was able to act more consistently and 
effectively than when bound together. And the ease with 
which this separation was effected, we quote as a happy exhibi- 
tion of the excellence of Congregationalism as a system of 
church polity. Never was a branch of the church of Christ 
more severely tried, than was ours in this controversy and 
defection ; and never did any church pass through such trials 
so happily. True, if we had had a hierarchy like that of the 
English or Roman church over us — if we had had a liturgy 
chained to the pulpit, it might have been more difficult, if not 
impossible to change our creed or profession. But these things 
never could have preserved the minds of the people or clergy 
from the incursions of unbelief and heresy ; and we say, what 
every person will be forced to admit upon reflection, that it is 
better, where religions differences exist, that they should be 
avowed — it is better that men should express their real convic- 
tions, rather than conceal them and dishonor them by the heart- 
less profession of different sentiments. Hence, we regard it as 
no defect, but a peculiar excellence of Congregationalism, that 
it affords facilities for each church to manifest its inward life, 
and make its creed and its practice at once conform to its actual 
belief. We say, therefore, with truth and soberness, that we 



156 

love Congregationalism the more for the trial she has passed 
through. They who have gone out from us, have gone out 
with a consistency of character which they could neither have 
possessed nor maintained so long as they remained under a 
banner they did not honor and love ; and we who remain, 
can remain only while our principles are living verities in our 
hearts. 

It has been in time past customary with some to denounce 
those ministers who refused to exchange pulpits with their 
seceding brethren, and charge them with llliberality and all 
uncharitableness. Subsequent events, we are most happy to 
believe, have put an end to this unjust imputation. He who 
dispassionately considers the differences subsisting between 
Orthodoxy and Unitarianism, cannot fail to perceive and allow 
that it is due to consistency and to the holy cause of truth, for 
the advocate of the first system to protest against and refuse 
communion with the last. To expect any thing less than 
this, is the height of illiberality ; it is to ask one to lay him- 
self on the ground, and as the street for his opponent to pass 
over — to renounce self respect, to prove a traitor to the cause of 
his God, and the highest interests of his race, as they commend 
themselves to his understanding and heart. There are some 
principles which all must admit are essential to Christianity. 
Our Fathers, in accordance with the prevailing sentiment of the 
church in all ages, placed the doctrine of the divinity of Christ 
foremost among the essentials of revelation. It was, therefore, 
but a necessary part of their belief to refuse fellowship with 
those who rejected this truth. And in this they acted not only 
upon a proper, but upon a necessary principle. No man can 
have a serious faith in Christianity, without embracing certain 
essential ideas involved in it ; and no man can do this without 
refusing his fellowship to systems which exclude and oppose 
these ideas. We honor, therefore, those men who bore a full 
and unwavering protest against what they regarded as an essen- 
tial departure from Christian truth. We honor them for consis- 
tency, for their fidelity to the cause of truth, to themselves and 
to us. 

In presenting the history of this church, we are happily 
relieved from the necessity of mentioning the worst part of the 
controversy, which resulted in a division of our denomination ; 



157 

we refer to the question of the right of property, and those 
decisions of the courts, which in so many instances have de- 
prived our churches of funds bequeathed to them for the sup- 
port of the gospel, and driven them forth from their houses 
of worship, and from communion tables, spread with sacra- 
mental furniture, the gifts of their venerated fathers and 
mothers, and dear to them as memorials of ancestral piety. 
Happily for the peace and honor of this community, this ques- 
tion was never agitated among us. Those who dissented from 
the faith of the fathers, and embraced the new opinions, quietly 
retired from our communion, and built on new foundations. In 
adopting the course so obviously marked out by honor and 
integrity, they commended the cause they had espoused, by a 
becoming confidence in its independent power, and had the 
proud consciousness of knowing that the success which attended 
them under able ministrations, was all appropriately their own, 
and could not awaken the reproaches, however much it might 
the sorrow of the brethren whose communion they had left. 
It deserves to be considered, whether facts do not prove, that 
endowments perverted to purposes different from those for 
which they were originally given, are of no advantage to such 
a cause, but rather a mill-stone to weigh down and sink it. 

The relation of Dr. Morse to this church, did not continue 
long after the close of this controve] y. The multiplicity of 
his literary engagements, and particularly the attention bestowed 
upon his geographical works, rendered him unable to perform 
the amount of labor which his place and the people required. 
Besides this, no man could pass through such a controversy as 
that, in which Dr. Morse was so prominently concerned, without 
making his happiness and usefulness in no small measure a 
sacrifice. In reference to these subjects, Dr. Morse remarked 
on the last Sabbath of his ministry — " Amidst the pressing calls 
for services without, which the peculiar state of the church and 
the world at large has seemed to me to require — the necessity I 
have been under to labor for a part of my own support, and the 
duties I owed to my flock ; in such a state of things, I have 
endeavored with all the wisdom I could command, to select the 
things (for all that was to be done I could not do) which seemed 
to me to demand my first attention, and to do them. If I have 
erred in making this selection, (which I have often found 



158 

extremely perplexing) the error is of the head, and not of the 
heart. I have done what I could in the station in which the 
Head of the church has placed me. With him is my judg- 
ment." l 

Dr. Morse 2 resigned the pastorship in the month of August, 
1819 — his resignation being referred to the council which should 
be convened to ordain his successor. He was succeeded by 
the Rev. Warren Fay, whose installation took place February 
23, 1S20, and his ministry continued until August 16, 1S39. 
The present pastor was ordained April 22, 1S1U ; and here he 
might cease his labors in reference to the past history of the 
church. It should be mentioned, however, that the house of 
worship in which we are now assembled — the fifth erected 
for the accommodation of this church, was built in the year 
1834, and dedicated July 3, of that year. 3 

Before bringing this course of Lectures to a close, it was my 
intention to have devoted some space and time to the memo.y of 
our numerous and exemplary benefactors. It has been to me a 
pleasing and edifying task to examine the wills of the early mem- 
bers and devoted friends of our church, preserved in the public 
offices. They almost uniformly begin them with a recapitu- 
lation of the great doctrines of the gospel, and the grounds of 
their hope for eternity, and then resigning their souls to God 
through Jesus Christ, according to the terms of the covenant, 
and their bodies to the grave in the hope of a glorious resur- 
rection, they proceed to distribute their worldly possessions 
among their relatives and friends. And in this distribution, 
they were accustomed with great uniformity, to remember 
their Christian teachers and brethren, the church, and the 
poor of the town ; thus evincing in the simplicity of their 
primitive piety, that theirs was His spirit, who " stretched forth 
his hand toward his disciples and said, Behold my mother and 
my brethren ! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father 
which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and 
mother ! " It will be impossible for me to present a complete 
list of all these benefactors. If you will read the inscriptions 

» Church Book II. 171. a Note 51. 3 Note 55. 



159 

upon our communion plate, 1 you will see, first of all, the name 
of our generous friend, Richard Sprague, Esq., who, hesides 
other munificent gifts, bequeathed to the church several large 
silver tankards and flagons for sacramental use. You will also 
see the name of Mary Lemmon, as the donor of a silver flagon ; 
she was admitted to the church in 1701. One tankard was the 
gift of Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, in 1717; another of Mrs. Abigail 
Stevens, in 1703; another of Capt. John Miller, in 1793. And 
still another bears the initials of "R. R. to C. C." — probably 
Richard Russell, Esq., to the church in Charlestown. He died 
in 1676, and was the ancestor of a long and honored line, who 
have in every generation been benefactors to this church. The 
name of one of his descendants, that of Hon. Thomas Russell, 
the most distinguished merchant of his day, in Boston, is 
inscribed as that of donor on the face of yonder clock. He 
was the son of the Hon. James Russell, another distinguished 
friend of this church and town, of whom President Dwight 
says, " Few men of any age or country have presented a better 
character, a fairer image of excellence to the eyes of mankind. 
As a son, a husband, a father, a neighbor, a friend, and a citizen, 
he adorned life with a peculiar native amiableness of character, 
and the superior worth of a Christian. I was intimately ac- 
quainted with this venerable man, and can, therefore, speak of 
him extensively from personal knowledge. I know not that I 
have ever seen a man less solicitous to shine, or more anxious 
to do good, or to whom I should more readily apply without 
reserve, the honorable character given to Nathanael by the 
Saviour : ' Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.' " 2 

The silver basin, which has been used for more than a cen- 
tury, as the baptismal laver, bears this inscription in Latin : 
" Henry Phillips dedicates this laver to the church of Charles- 
town, in New England, for the use of baptism, the 1st of May, 
1726." 

Besides these, there are many other names and characters 
which deserve a grateful and honored remembrance. But I 
will detain you to mention two only, who died within a few 
months of each other, in the year 1807, Richard Devens, Esq., 
and Dea. John Larkin. As a Christian, Mr. Devens was, daring 

« Note 56. J Dwight's Travels, I. 476. Note 57. 



160 

a long life, a pillar of this church — eminent for his attachment 
to the ancient faith of New England, and for the depth of his 
spiritual experience. Not to mention the stations of public 
honor and trust which he occupied, he was distinguished still 
more in private, by his secret benefactions to the poor, and his 
zealous endeavors to spread the Scriptures, and the knowledge 
of salvation. 1 We may not dwell upon the benefactions of the 
generous and devotedly pious Dea. Larkin ; his character as a 
Christian, and a venerable officer and pillar of this church, 
should long be kept in remembrance, as his name cannot fail to 
be, through the yearly distribution of the charities this church 
dispenses in his behalf. The pastor of the church was present 
and witnessed his death, and has left his testimony that " never 
did he behold such a scene of mingled sorrow and joy. There 
was nothing in it ghastly or awful. Not a limb was convulsed, 
nor a feature of the face distorted. A smile of joy even beamed 
on his dying countenance. Closing his own eyes, he sweetly 
fell asleep, not to awake again till the resurrection." 2 

But I must check myself in these recitals, and hasten to a 
conclusion, by giving the final impression left upon my mind, 
by the preparation of these discourses, respecting the religious 
character of our ancestors. 

I should not indeed attempt to give a full analysis, or final 
estimate of the Puritan character ; it is a theme beyond the 
compass of my reading and power ; and it may be doubted — 
while their institutions are still in a course of experiment, 
whether the wisdom and value of their principles can be judged 
of with perfect accuracy. Much has been written of them 
eloquently, affectionately, truly. He who would deny them 
merit, and exalted merit, must either be ignorant of their true 
character, or insensible to the highest elements of greatness and 
goodness. They were not only lovers of truth, but of the 
noblest and best kind of truth. They not only loved and cul- 
tivated virtue, but they loved and practiced those virtues most, 
which are encompassed with the severest self-denial — which are 
most essential to the prosperity of a community, and most 
intimately connected with the glory of God. Their principles 
must ever be the foundation of every truly great and noble 

1 Panoplist III. 231). * Panoplist HI. 429. See Note 58. 



161 

character. Theirs was the frame-work which God and the 
Bible sanction ; nothing save the proportion and the relations 
of the parts can be safely altered. 

We love, then, and honor the Puritans ; but we do not idolize 
them. The very greatness of their virtues indicates their faults. 
There is a happy medium where opposite virtues balance each 
other, and contending forces are at rest; this perfection the 
Puritans did not reach. They seized hold of the great central 
principles of the word of God, without which there is no Chris- 
tianity ; but held them perhaps too much apart from those 
graces which, if not essential to the life, are so to the beauty 
and symmetry of religion. They were rigid and severe, not 
because they would banish refinement, or extirpate the finer 
sensibilities ; but because they felt that the times were so criti- 
cal as to place the essentials of religion in jeopardy. Hence, 
there was something artificial about their characters — some- 
thing stern in their deportment. The principles of their Chris- 
tian character stood out somewhat like the frame-work of their 
meeting-houses, the posts and beams and braces of which 
were all in open sight, strong and enduring, but not like our 
modern temples, beautiful to the eye. 

Now this peculiarity of the Puritan character, it seems to 
me, has done more than any other single influence to make 
the New England character what it is. Like our fathers, 
we are distinguished for the attention we bestow upon the 
principal virtues. For substantial qualities, for industry, intel- 
ligence, good order, and stable principles, no people on earth 
can compare with the population of New England, except 
perhaps the Scotch ; and among them a similar religious char- 
acter has been followed by similar effects. But in the softer 
graces of character — in the cheaper virtues, if I may so call 
them, which diffuse through society a brighter and more cheer- 
ful aspect — in these things it strikes many who know and honor 
the great elements of our character, we are deficient. Those 
who are acquainted with life in our country villages and 
neighborhoods, have remarked, that it is characterized by a 
too restricted and reserved social intercourse — by a coldness of 
manner, and a want of warm and unsuspecting interest in one 
another. There are of course exceptions to this ; but still, the 
well-informed and candid among us, will not deny that life is 
21 



162 

susceptible of a much higher enjoyment, in consistency with 
our thrift as an industrious, and our seriousness as a religious 
people. 

I will conclude this discourse, and with it the series to which 
I have so long solicited, and you have so patiently accorded, 
your attention, by addressing a few remarks to my respected 
hearers. 

Brethren and friends of this ancient church and congregation ! 
Allow me to express the hope that these recitals may be perma- 
nently useful to you, and through you to those who shall stand 
after you within this sacred enclosure, and upon these ancient 
foundations. You have succeeded to the labors and prayers of 
men venerable for their varied excellencies. Let the history of 
your fathers and predecessors stimulate you to follow them as 
they followed Christ. You are encompassed by a great cloud 
of witnesses; and if the spirits of the blest are permitted to 
revisit spots once familiar and dear to them, we doubt not there 
have been, and will be in our midst, many shining and rejoicing 
ones, who once wept, and toiled, and prayed as we do now. 
Oh ! shall we not love these ancient seats ? Among other and 
more powerful considerations, are we not moved by a tender 
regard for the pious dead whose names are recorded alike in our 
books, and in the book of life, to give our heartiest services, 
and our warmest prayers to this portion of our Redeemer's 
church ? He has watched over this ' vine of his own right 
hand's planting ' — he has carried it through fire and through 
■water — and he still remembereth his covenant, and will yet 
spread above us the clouds of his mercy, and pour them down 
in honor of the prayers which have gone up from this hill ! 

Finally, permit me to say to the inhabitants of the town, 
who have honored me with their attention, In your ancestral 
recollections you have a rich inheritance. No people on earth 
can claim a worthier original than New England, and among 
her communities few are more distinguished in this respect than 
yours. Said a gentleman to me the other day, who had come 
to revisit the place of his birth, and who had visited the spot 
where is deposited the dust of the noble and mighty dead of 
England, "In no place on earth are nobler men sleeping, than 
in your burial-ground!" I care not whether, m a worldly 



163 

sense, this be true or not. But I am persuaded that no spot con- 
tains the ashes of men, whose principles were more elevated, 
whose beneficence was more genuine and extensive, or whose 
piety was more sincere and active. If you are not sprung from 
the loins of kings, and a titled aristocracy, it is a higher glory 
that you are the sons of "sires that have passed into the skies." 
The nobility of your ancestors was not " the accident of an 
accident," but something wrought out by themselves, the native 
product of their own hearts and minds. They were ennobled 
by the gifts of God's grace. You are justly proud of the 
memories of yonder hill ; but there are also ante-Revolutionary 
memories. You have reason to be proud of another hill, where 
the ashes of your fathers repose — slain indeed, but slain by a 
conquered enemy. They sleep in Jesus. With them may it be 
your lot to sleep ; and with them your blessedness to rise ! 



NOTES, 

Note 1, page 10. 

ARRIVAL OF WINTHROP. 

AViNTimop sailed from Yarmouth at the Isle of Wight, April 8, 1G30, 
on board the Arbella, in company with three other ships, the Talbot, 
the Ambrose, and the Jewel. The Arbella was a ship of 350 tons, 
manned with 52 seamen and 28 pieces of ordnance, and was com- 
manded by Capt. Peter Milborne. These four arrived at Salem — the 
Arbella, June 12; the Jewel, June 13; the Ambrose, June 18, and 
the Talbot, July 2. The rest of the fleet, seven other ships, viz. : the 
May Flower, Whale, Hopewell, William and Francis, Trial, Charles, 
and Success, not being ready to accompany the four above-mentioned, 
set sail from South Hampton in May, and arrived at Charlestown or 
Salem, between the 1st and Cth of July. These are the ships men- 
tioned in the following letter, written by Winthrop to his wife, " from 
aboard the Arbella, riding at the Cowes, March 28, 1630," which I 
have transcribed from Savage's edition of Winthrop's Journal, for the 
information it imparts; but still more, for the beautiful illustration it 
aifords of the writer's domestic character. 

" My faithful and dear Wife : 

" It pleaseth God, that thou shouldest once again hear from me 
before our departure, and I hope this shall come safe to thy hands. I 
know it will be a great refreshing to thee. And blessed be his mercy, 
that I can write thee so good news, that we are all in very good health, 
and, having tried our ship's entertainment now more than a week, we 
find it agree very well with us. Our boys are well and cheerful, and 
have no mind of home. They lie both with me, and sleep as soundly 
in a rug (for we use no sheets here) as ever they did at Groton ; and so 
I do myself, (I praise God.) The wind hath been against us this week 
and more ; but this day it is come fair to the north, so as we are pre- 
paring (by God's assistance) to set sail in the morning. We have only 
four ships ready, and some two or three Hollanders go along with us. 
The rest of our fleet (being seven ships) will not be ready this sen- 
night. We have spent now two Sabbaths on ship-board very comfort- 
ably, (God be praised,) and are daily more and more encouraged to 
look for the Lord's presence to go along with us. Henry Kingsbury 
hath a child or two in the Talbot sick of the measles, but like to do 



166 

well. One of my men had them at Hampton, but he was soon well 
again. We are, in all our eleven ships, about 700 persons, passengers, 
and '240 cows and about 00 horses. The ship which went from 
Plymouth carried about 140 persons, and the ship which goes from 
Bristowe carrieth about 80 persons. And now (my sweet soul) I must 
once again take my last farewell of thee in Old England. It goeth 
very near to my heart to leave thee ; but I know to whom I have com- 
mitted thee, even to him who loves thee much better than any husband 
can, who hath taken account of the hairs of thy head, and puts all thy 
tears in his bottle, who can, and (if it be for his glory) will bring us 
together again with peace and comfort. Oh, how it refresheth my 
heart, to think, that I shall yet again see thy sweet face in the land of 
the living ! — that lovely countenance, that I have so much delighted in, 
and beheld with so great content ! I have hitherto been so taken up 
with business, as I could seldom look back to my former happiness ; 
but now, when I shall be at some leisure, I shall not avoid the remem- 
brance of thee, nor the grief for thy absence. Thou hast thy share 
with me, but I hope the course we have agreed upon will be some ease 
to us both. Mondays and Fridays, at five of the clock at night, we 
shall meet in spirit till we meet in person. Yet, if all these hopes 
should fail, blessed be our God, that we are assured we shall meet one 
day, if not as husband and wife, yet in a better condition. Let that 
stay and comfort thy heart. Neither can the sea drown thy husband, 
nor enemies destroy, nor any adversity deprive thee of thy husband or 
children. Therefore I will only take thee now and my sweet children 
in mine arms, and kiss and embrace you all, and so leave you with my 
God. Farewell, farewell. 1 bless you all in the name of the Lord 
Jesus. I salute my daughter Winth. Matt. Nan. and the rest, and all 
my good neighbors and friends. Pray all for us. Farewell. Com- 
mend my blessing to my son John. I cannot now write to him ; but 
tell him I have committed thee and thine to him. Labor to draw him 
yet nearer to God, and he will be the surer staff of comfort to thee. I 
cannot name the rest of my good friends, but thou canst supply it. I 
wrote, a week since, to thee and Mr. Leigh and divers others. 
" Thine wheresoever, 

"Jo. WlNTHROP." 

Our Charlestown records say that Winthrop and his company, 
amounting to about 1,500 persons in all, were brought over in twelve 
ships. Prince supposes that the Mary and John, which sailed from 
Plymouth, March 20, and arrived May 30, at Nantasket, was one of 
the twelve. Gov. Dudley, in his letter to the countess of Lincoln, says 
that seventeen ships arrived in New England during the year 1630, 
" for the increase of the plantation here ; but made a long, a trouble- 
some, and a costly voyage, being all windbound long in England, and 
hindered with contrary winds after they set sail, and so scattered with 
mists and tempests that few of them arrived together." 

"We began to consult of the place of our sitting down," says 
Dudley, " for Salem, where we landed, pleased us not." 

" And to that purpose, some were sent to the bay, to search up the 
rivers for a convenient place; who, upon their return, reported to have 
found a good place upon Mistick ; but some other of us, seconding 



167 

these, to approve or dislike of their judgment, we found a place liked 
us better, three leagues up Charles River ; and thereupon unshipped 
our goods into other vessels, and with much cost and labor, brought 
them in July to Charlestowrj ; but there receiving advertisements (by 
some of the late-arrived ships) from London and Amsterdam, of some 
French preparations against us, (many of our people brought with us 
being sick of fevers, and the scurvy, and we thereby unable to carry 
up our ordnance and baggage so far,) we were forced to change coun- 
sel, and for our present shelter to plant dispersedly, some at Charles- 
town, which standeth on the north side of the mouth of Charles River; 
some on the south side thereof, which place we named Boston (as we 
intended to have done the place we first resolved on) ; some of us upon 
Mistick, which we named Meadford ; some of us westward on Charles 
River, four miles from Charlestown, which place we named Water- 
town ; others of us two miles from Boston, in a place we named Rox- 
bury ; others upon the river of Sawgus, between Salem and Charles- 
town : and the Western men, four miles south from Boston in a place 
we named Dorchester. This dispersion troubled some of us, but help 
it we could not, wanting ability to remove to any place fit to build a 
town upon ; and the time too short to deliberate any longer, lest the 
winter should surprise us before we had budded our houses. The best 
counsel we could find out was to build a fort to retire to, in some con- 
venient place, if any enemy pressed us thereunto, after we should have 
fortified ourselves against the injuries of wet and cold." 

It will appear from an attentive reading of the above account, that 
Charlestown was not the site, which was selected either by the first or 
second exploring party. Governor Winthrop was probably of the first 
party. He says, under date of Thursday, June 17, " We went to 
Mattachusetts, to find out a place for our sitting down. We went up 
Mistick River about six miles." The next party, who were sent, as 
Dudley says, "to approve or dislike the judgment" of the first, found 
a place they liked better, three leagues up Charles River. Mr. Savage 
says that this place was Charlestown, supposing that Dudley represents 
the mouth of Charles River at the outer light-house. But this suppo- 
sition is inconsistent with Dudley's narrative, in which he gives as a 
reason for their settling at Charlestown and other places, their inability 
through sickness to go so far as the place they had selected, three 
leagues up Charles River. Besides, he describes Charlestown as 
" standing on the north side of the mouth of Charles River." Prince 
supposes that this place, described as " three leagues up Charles 
River," was " at the place whence the Dorchester people were ordered 
to remove," which was afterwards called Watertown. 

It is certain, therefore, that Charlestown was not, as has been sup- 
posed, the place fixed upon by the colonists for their first settlement. 
And it is apparent, also, that the precise date of the landing and set- 
tlement of Winthrop and his companions in Charlestown, cannot be 
determined. Governor Everett, in his address delivered before the 
Charlestown Lyceum, calls the 28th June, 1830, N. S., the second 
centennial anniversary. This date is derived probably from that given 
by Winthrop, June 17; but the day corresponding to this, would be 
June 27, not 28 ; and besides, this date refers to the exploration of the 
Mistick, not to the settlement of the town by Winthrop and his com- 



168 

pany. The nearest approximation to the date of the latter event 
which can be reached, is that given by Prince, who says, " it seems as 
if the fleet arrived at Charlestown July 10, by Mr. Wilson's yearly 
allowance out of the public treasury beginning on that day." 



Note 2, page 10. 

THOMAS WALFORD. 

As this individual was the first white inhabitant of Charlestown, it 
may be interesting to learn what may be known respecting him. 

He appears not to have lived amicably with the new settlers, for in 
April, 1631, he was "fined <£10, and enjoined, he and his wife, to 
depart out of the limits of this patent." In the following month, he 
was fined £'2, and " he paid it by killing a wolf ;" and in the following 
September, it was ordered that his goods be sequestered, " to satisfy 
the debts he owes in the Bay to several persons." After this, he 
became a valuable citizen of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he 
is mentioned as being one of the trustees, or wardens of the church 
property. 1 



Note 3, page 10. 
THOMAS GRAVES. 

Dr. Morse says that this gentleman, whom he calls Thomas Greaves, 
but whose name is spelt Graves on our town records, was the son of 
John Greaves, and was born in Ratcliffe, England, June 6, 1605, and 
was the ancestor of the Greaves family of this place. Others have 
supposed that there was another Thomas Graves, and there are many 
tilings to favor this opinion. There was a Mr. Graves who was mate 
of the Talbot, when Higginson came over, and one of the mates of the 
Arbella, when Winthrop came, and who subsequently became master 
of a vessel, and of whom Winthrop -ays in his journal, under date of 
June 3, 1635, that " he had come every year for these seven years." 
Prince says that the Thomas Graves, who desired to be made a free- 
man in l()-5(), afterwards became a rear-admiral in England. Now the 
Mr. Graves who " had charge of the servants of the company of Pat- 
tentees," before Wiutlimp's arrival, is spoken (A' as " a person skillful 
in mines of iron, lead, copper, mineral sail, and alum, fortifications of 
all sorts, surveying, &C." and speaks of himself as a traveller, who had 
been in Hungary ; it would seem, therefore, the more natural conclu- 
sion, that the Mr. Graves of whom Winthrop speaks, was the one 
appointed rear-admiral bj Cromwell, "for his bravery at sea, in cap- 
turing a Dutch privateer, andei greal disadvantages." 

> Savage's Winthrop, 1. p. 53. 2 Hist. Coll. V i>. tSIO. 



169 

Thomas Graves married Katharine Coytmore, the daughter of 
Thomas and Katharine Coytmore of this town ; they were admitted to 
the church October 7, 1639. Their son Nathaniell was baptized 
November 5, 1 039. Their son Thomas was born 1638, but his bap- 
tism is not recorded. He graduated at Harvard College, 1656, and 
settled in this town as a physician. He was a representative of the 
town in 1677 and 8, and judge of the county court. He died May 30, 
1697. The Rev. Mr. Sewall of Burlington, has kindly furnished me 
with the following interesting extract from his ancestor's manuscript 
journal. " June I, 1097. I go to the funeral of my tutor, Mr. Thomas 
Graves. Bearers were, Capt. Byfield, Mr. Leverett ; Capt. Sprague, 
Capt. Hammond; Mr. James Oliver, Mr. Simon Bradstreet. Charles- 
town gentlemen had gloves ; Mr. Danforth had none that I observed. 
Mr. Graves was a godly learned man, a good tutor, and solid preacher; 
his obstinate adherence to some superstitious conceits of the Common 
Prayer book, bred himself and others a great deal of trouble ; yet I 
think he kept to the church at Charlestown as to his most constant 
attendance, especially on the Lord's day. Has left one son by Mr. 
Stedman's daughter. My tutors are gone, the Lord help me to do 
worthily while I stay here, and be in a readiness to follow after!" Mr. 
Thomas Graves was admitted to the church, September 17, 1665. 

Dr. Graves' son Thomas, was born September 28, 1683, (his baptism 
is recorded on the 30th September, 1683, as the son of Mr. Thomas 
Greaves and Sarai his wife) graduated at Harvard College, 1703, suc- 
ceeded his father in the practice of medicine in this town, and besides 
filling the offices his father sustained, became judge of the supreme 
court. He died June 19, 1747. His daughter Katharine became the 
wife of the Hon. James Russell, and mother of the Hon. Thomas 
Russell. 1 

It may be interesting in this connection, to append an extract from 
a letter written by Mr. Graves, the engineer, 1629, giving a description 
of the country in its natural state, and published with Mr. Higginson's 
" New England's Plantation," in London, 1630. 

Mr. Higginson, writing of the condition of the plantation at the 
time he wrote, 1629, says, " there are in all of us about three hundred, 
whereof two hundred are settled at Salem, and the rest have planted 
themselves at Massachusetts Bay, beginning to build a town there, 
which we do call Cherton, or Charlestown." 

Mr. Graves, writing at this time, says, " Thus much I can affirm in 
general, that I never came in a more goodly country in all my life, all 
things considered. If it hath not at any time been manured and hus- 
banded, yet it is very beautiful in open lands, mixed with goodly woods, 
and again open plains, in some places 500 acres, some places more, 
some less, not much troublesome for to clear for the plough to go in, 
no place barren but on the tops of the hills ; the grass and weeds grow 
up to a man's face, in the low lands and by fresh rivers abundance of 
grass and large meadows without any tree or shrub to hinder the 
scythe. I never saw except in Hungaria, unto which I always parallel 
this country, in all our most respects, for every thing that is here either 

1 See Dr. Morse's sermon occasioned by the death of Hon. Thomas Russell, 17%. p 22. 

22 



170 

sown or planted prospereth far better than in Old England. The 
increase of corn is here far beyond expectation, as I have seen here by 
experience in barley, the which because it is so much above your 
conception I will not mention. And cattle do prosper very well, and 
those that are bred here far greater than those with you in England. 
Vines do grow here plentifully laden with the biggest grapes that ever 
I saw, some I have seen four inches about, so that I am bold to say of 
this country, as it is commonly said in Germany of Hungaria, that for 
cattle, corn and wine it excelleth. We have many more hopeful com- 
modities here in this country, the which time will teach to make good 
use of. In the mean-time we abound with such things which next 
under God do make us subsist; as fish, fowl, deer, and sundry sorts of 
fruits, as musk-melons, water-melons, Indian pompions, Indian pease, 
beans, and many other odd fruits that I cannot name ; all which are 
made good and pleasant through this main blessing of God, the health- 
fulness of the country, which far exceedeth all parts that ever I have 
been in ; it is observed that few or none do here fall sick, unless of the 
scurvy, that they bring from aboard the ship with them, whereof I have 
cured some of my company only by labor." ' 

The enthusiasm of the immigrant under the excitement of novelty, 
and before the trials of a new country have been experienced, is suf- 
ficiently apparent in the above. It reminds us of the highly colored 
representations of life in the West, sent back to us by some of the 
early emigrants. 

It is very possible that Governor Dudley alluded to this letter of 
Mr. Graves, when he spoke of " honest men out of a desire to draw 
over others to them, writing somewhat hyperbolically of many things 
here." 2 



Note 4, page 11. 

REV. FRANCIS BRIGHT. 

This clergyman was trained up under the Rev. Mr. Davenport, and 
was a Puritan, but probably more disposed to conform to the church of 
England than many with whom he found himself associated here. He 
arrived in Salem in the Lion's Whelp, June, H>i'.>, and in consequence 
of a disagreement in judgment with Messrs. Higginson and Skelton, 
his associates, came to Charlestown. He remained here, however, but 



1 1 Hist. Coll. 1. p. 124. The Historical Collections give only an extract from this letter, 
and this is all 1 have ever met with. 

In the " ItiMiutliecae Americana' Primordia," published 1713, by White Kenhctt. there is 
a notice of this letter as belonging to that library. " ' A coppie of a Letter from an Ingineer 
sent out to New England written to a friend in England, A. D. 1649, giving an Account of 
bis landing with a small company ai Salmi, ami tbmce going anil making a settlement at 

Massachusetts Bay, and laying the Foundation of a Town, to which the Gover irgave the 

ii.i of Charlestown, with B pleasing description of the exceeding Pleasantness and Fruit* 

fulness of the Country, and of the civility of the natives.' In one sheet IMS. | K\ dono Rev. 
Alexandri Young, s. T. I'.]" 

3 See the extract from his letter to the Countess of Lincoln, quoted Lecture I. p. 19 



171 

little more than a year, when he returned to England. Johnson speaks 
of Mr. Bright and Mr. Blackstone, as two thai began to hew stones in 
the mountains, for the building of the Temple; but when they saw all 
sorts of stones would not lit in the building, as they supposed, the one 
betook him to the seas again, and the other to till the land, retaining 
no symbol of his former profession, but a canonical coat. 1 



Note 5, page 11. 

TOWN RECORDS. 

The facts mentioned in the Lecture, respecting the settlement of the 
town, have been derived from our Town Records. These records, 
says Prince, page 250, were written by Increase Nowell. But if they 
were originally written by him, they were subsequently copied ; for the 
handwriting in which they now appear, continues down to November 
25, 1G6I. This fact may account for the obvious mistake which 
appears in them, by which the landing of Winthrop is said to have 
taken place in 1629, and all the events of that period are antedated 
a year. The time, however, which the records fix for the arrival of the 
Spragues, 1628, is confirmed by Prince, page 250. 

But notwithstanding this error, which is that of the transcriber 
probably, these early records are exceedingly interesting and valuable; 
and I have, therefore, copied out a few pages, leaving blanks for the 
words that are effaced, and enclosing in brackets those which I was 
able to decypher only in part. 

" Captain John Smith, having (in the reign of our sovereign Lord 
James, by the grace of God, king of England, Scotland, France and 
Ireland, Defender of the Faith) made a discovery of some parts of 
America, lighted amongst other places upon the opening betwixt Cape 
Cod and Cape Ann, situate and lying in 315 degrees of Longitude, 
and 42 degrees 20 minutes of north Latitude, when, by sounding and 
making up, he fell in amongst the Islands, and advanced up into the 
Massachusetts Bay till he came up into the River between Mishawum 
(afterwards called Charlestown) and Shawmut, (afterwards called Bos- 
ton) and having made discovery of the land, Rivers, Coves and Creeks, 
in the said Bay, and also taken some observations of the natures and 
dispositions and sundry customs of the numerous Indians, or Natives 
inhabiting the same, he returned to England, where (?) (it was re- 
ported that) upon his arrival, he presented a map of the Massachu- 
setts Bay to the King ; and that the Prince, (afterwards king Charles 
the first) j^pon enquiry and perusal of the foresaid River, and the situ- 
ation thereof upon the map, appointed it to be called Charles River. 

" Now, upon the fame that there went abroad of the place, both in 
England and Holland, several persons of quality sent over [several] at 

1 Wonder Working Prov. ch. 9. Hubb. ch. 19. Prince's Chron. 207-261. 



172 

their own cost, who planted this country in several [parts] ; but for 
want of judgment, care, and orderly living, divers died ; others meet- 
ing with many hazards, hardships, and wants, at length being reduced 
to great penury and extremity, were so tired out, that they took all 
opportunities of returning to England, upon which several places were 
altogether deserted ; and [ ] only some few that upon a hetter prin- 
ciple, transported themselves from England and Holland, came and 
settled their Plantation a little within Cape Cod, and called the same 
Plymouth. 

" Notwithstanding all their wants, hazards, and sufferings, [ 
several years in a manner alone, at which time this country was gener- 
ally called by the name of New England. 

" At length, divers gentlemen and merchants of London, obtained a 
patent and charter for the Massachusetts Bay, (from our Sovereign 
Lord, King Charles the first) gave invitation to [ ] as would, 

(transport themselves from Old England to New England,) to go and 
possess the same ; and for their encouragement, the said Pattentees, at 
their own cost, sent over a company [of] servants, under the government 
of Mr. John Endicott, who, arriving] within this Bay, settled the first 
Plantation of this jurisdiction, called Salem; under whose wing there 
were a few also that settle and plant up and down, scattering in several 
places of [the] Bay, where, though they met with the dangers, difficul- 
ties, and [ ] attending new plantations, in a solitary wilderness, 
and so far remote from their Native Country, yet were they not [left] 
without company ; for in the year of our Lord one thousand six hun- 
dred twenty-eight, came over from England, several people at their 
own charge, and arrived at Salem, after which, people came over yearly 
in great numbers. In [ ] years, many hundreds arrived, and 
settled not only in Massachusetts Bay, but did suddenly spread them- 
selves into other colonies also. 

"Amongst others that arrived at Salem, at their own cost, were Ralph 
Sprague with his brethren, Richard and William, who, with three or 
four more, by joint consent, and approbation of Mr. John Endicott, 
Governor, did, the same Summer of Anno 1628, undertake a journey 
from Salem, and travelled through woods about twelve miles to the 
westward, and lighted of a place situate and lying on the north side of 
Charles River, full of Indians, called Aberginians ; their old Sachem 
being dead, his eldest son, by the English called John Sagamore, was 
their chief, and a man naturally of a gentle and good disposition, by 
whose free consent they settled about the hill of the same place, by the 
said natives called Mishawum, where they found but one English pal- 
lisadoed and thatched house, wherein lived Thomas Walford, a smith, 
situate on the south end of the westernmost hill of the east field, a little 
way up from Charles River's side ; and upon surveying, they found it 
was a neck of land generally full of stately timber, as was the main, 
and the land lying on the east side of the river, called Mistick River, 
from the farm Mr. Craddock's servants had planted, called Mistick, 
which this river led up unto, and indeed generally all the country 
round about was an uncouth wilderness, full of timber. 

"The Inhabitants that first settled in this place, and brought it into 
the denomination of an English town, were in Anno 1028, as follows, 
viz: 



173 

" Ralph Sprague ; Richard Sprague ; William Sprague ; John 
Meech ; Simon Hoyte ; Abraham Palmer; Walter Pamer ; Nicholas 
Stowers ; John Stickline ; Thomas Walibrd, smith, that lived here alone 
before ; Mr. Graves, who had charge of some of the Servants of the 
Company of Pattentees, with whom he built the Great House this 
year, for such of the said company as are shortly to come over, which 
afterwards became the meeting-house ; and Mr. Bright, Minister to the 
Company's Servants. 

" By whom it was jointly agreed and concluded that this place on the 
north side of the Charles River, by the natives called Mishawum, shall 
henceforth, from the name of the River, be called Charlestown, which 
was also confirmed by Mr. John Endicott, Governor. 

" It is jointly agreed and concluded by the inhabitants of this town, 
that Mr. Graves do moddle and lay out the form of the Town, with 
streets about the hill, which was accordingly done, and approved of by 
the Governor. 

" It is jointly agreed and concluded, that each inhabitant have a two 
acre lot to plant upon, and all to fence in common, which was accord- 
ingly, by Mr. Graves, measured out to them. 

" Upon which, Ralph Sprague and others, began to build their 
houses, and to prepare fencing for their lots, which was afterwards set 
up almost in a semi-circular form, on the south and southeast side of 
that field laid out to them, which lies situate on the northwest side of 
the town hill. Walter Pamer and one or two more, shortly after, 
began to build in a straight line upon their two acre lots on the east 
side of the town hill, and set up a slight fence in common, that ran 
up to Thomas Walford's fence ; and this was the beginning of the 
East Field. 

" About the months of April and May, in the year of our Lord 
1C29, there was a great design of the Indians from the Narragansetts, 
and all round about us to the eastward in all parts to cut off the Eng- 
lish, which John Sagamore (who always loved the English) revealed to 
the inhabitants of this town ; but their design was chiefly laid against 
Plymouth, (not regarding our paucity in the Bay), to be effected under 
pretence of having some sport and pastime at Plymouth, where, after 
some discourse with the Governor there, they told him if they might 
not come with leave, they would without ; upon which, the said Gov- 
ernor sent their fiat-bottomed boat (which was all they had) to sale for 
some powder and shot ; at which time it was unanimously concluded 
by the inhabitants of this town, that a small fort should be made on 
the top of this town hill, with pallisadoes, and flanckers made out, 
which was performed at the direction of Mr. Graves, by all hands of 
men, women and children, who wrought at digging and building, till 
the worke was done ; but that design of the Indians was suddenly 
broke up, by the report of the great guns at Salem only shot off to 
clear them, by which means they were so frighted, that all their compa- 
nies scattered and ran away ; and though they came flattering after- 
wards, and called themselves our good friends, yet were we constrained 
by their conspiracies yearly, to be in arms. 

" In the months of June and July, 1629, arrived at this town, John 
Winthrop, Esq., Governor, Sir Richard Saltonstall, Knt., Mr. John- 
son, Mr. Dudley, Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Nowell, Mr. Pinchon, Mr. Broad- 



174 

streete, who brought along with them the Charter [and] Pattent for 
this Jurisdiction of the Massachusetts, with whom also arrived Mr. 
John Wilson and Mr. Phillips, ministers, and a multitude of people, 
amounting to about fifteen hundred brought over from England in 
twelve ships. The Governor and several of the Pattentees, dwelt in 
the great house which was last year built in this town by Mr. Graves 
and the rest of their servants." 



Note 6, page 13. 
ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH. 

The circumstances which led to the formation of this church, and 
the method pursued, we learn from a letter written from Salem, July 
26, by Samuel Fuller, a physician of Plymouth, and Edward Winslow, 
at that time on a visit to the new colony. They write as follows : 

" To our loving Brethren and Christian Friends, Mr. Wm. Bradford, 

Mr. Ralph Smith, and Mr. Wm. Brewster, these be. 
" Beloved, &c. : 

" Being at Salem, the 25th of July, being the Sabbath, after the 
evening exercise, Mr. Johnson having received a letter from the Gov- 
ernor, Mr. Winthrop, manifesting the hand of God to be upon them, 
and against them at Charlestown, in visiting them with sickness, and 
taking divers from amongst them, not sparing the righteous, but par- 
taking with the wicked in those bodily judgments ; it was, therefore, 
by his desire, taken into the godly consideration of the best here, what 
was to be done to pacify the Lord's wrath ; and they would do nothing 
without our advice. I mean those members of our church there known 
unto them, viz. : Mr. Fuller, Mr. Allerton, and myself, requiring our 
voices as their own, when it was concluded, that the Lord was to be 
sought in righteousness ; and so to that end, the sixth day (being 
Friday) of this present week, is set .apart, that they may humble them- 
selves before God, and seek him in his ordinances ; and that then also, 
such godly persons that are amongst thorn, and known each to other, 
publickly at the end of their exercise, make known their godly desire, 
and practice the same, viz.: solemnly to enter into covenant with the 
Lord to walk in his ways ; and since they are so disposed of in their 
outward estates, as to live in three distinct places, each having men of 
ability amongst them, there to observe the day, and become three dis- 
tinct bodies ; not then intending rashly to proceed to the choice of 
officers, or the admitting of any other into their society, than a few, to 
wit : such as are well known unto them, promising after to receive in 
such, by confession, as shall appear to be fitly qualified for that estate ; 
and as they desired to advise with us, so do they earnestly entreat that 
the church at Plymouth would set apart t he same day, for the same 
ends, beseeching God, as to withdraw his hand of correction, so to 
establish and direct them in his ways ; and though the time be very 



175 

short, yet since the causes are so urgent, we pray you be provoked to 
this godly work, wherein God will be honored, and they and we un- 
doubtedly have sweet comfort in so doing. Be you all kindly saluted 
in the Lord, together with the rest of our brethren ; the Lord be with 
you, and his Spirit direct you in this and all other actions that concern 
his glory, and the good of his. 

" Your brethren in the faith of Christ, 

" And fellowship of the Gospel, 

Samuel Fuller, 



" Edward Winslow. 



" Salem, July 26, Anno 1630. 



>> i 



Note 7, page 14. 
JOHN WINTHROP. 

The character of John Winthrop will bear close study. He was 
one of the few individuals who, like Washington, combined great and 
good qualities in a union as rare as it is happy. His character is wor- 
thy of the more attention, because the Puritans are so commonly rep- 
resented as men of cold sentiments and rigid principles — cultivating 
the sterner virtues to the neglect and contempt of those which give 
symmetry and grace to the character, and constitute the principal 
charm of domestic and social life. We do not mean to imply that the 
Puritans were perfect men, or that they have not often exposed them- 
selves to such charges as these. But it is not too much to say, that 
when tried by the spirit of the times — the only fair method of judging — 
few characters can be found on the records of history, which, for noble- 
ness, dignity, and the beauty of a just proportion, are superior to that 
of Winthrop, and his associates of the same rank in the several plan- 
tations. It will be difficult to parallel the magnanimity of Winthrop, 
under the trials he sustained, of the loss of property, the endurance of 
severe privations, and the unjust, not to say malicious aspersions cast 
upon his fair name. And his domestic character was as lovely as his 
public was noble. As a husband and a father, he was characterized 
by the strongest affections. Of this, we have a singularly beautiful 
proof in his letters, published in Savage's edition of his journal. No 
lover of the domestic virtues, can read those letters without admiration 
and delight. His letters to his wife are remarkable for the intense 
affection, as well as self-controlling faith in God they express. His 
farewell to her — for her situation did not permit her accompanying 
him — is singularly beautiful. [See p. 165.] 

The letters of Mrs. Winthrop, are of the same character ; in one of 
them she writes : " I have many reasons to make me love thee, whereof 
I will name two : first, because thou lovest God ; and secondly, because 
that thou lovest me. If these two were wanting, all the rest would be 
eclipsed." 



> 1 Hist. Coll. III. p. 75. 



176 

This was Margaret, the third wife of Governor Winthrop. She was 
married to him, April 29, 1618, and died June 14, 1647, aged about 
fifty-six years; — "a woman," says the Governor, in recording her 
death, " of singular virtue, prudence, modesty, and piety, and espe- 
cially beloved and honored of all the country." 

For his last wife, he married Martha Coytmore, a member of our 
church, and widow of Thomas Coytmore, who lost his life by ship- 
wreck, on the coast of Spain, December 27, 1645. 1 



Note 8, page 14. 
THOMAS DUDLEY. 

Governor Dudley lived first in Cambridge, but upon Mr. Hooker's 
removal to Hartford, he removed to Ipswich, and at length fixed his 
habitation in Roxbury, where he died July 31, 1653, in the seventy- 
seventh year of his age. He was a man of great integrity and strength 
of character, distinguished for his love of justice, his zeal for good 
order, and his attachment to the faith and order of the churches. The 
following verses were found in his pocket after his death ; they may 
further illustrate his character. 

Dim eyes, deaf ears, cold stomach shew 

My dissolution is in view ; 

Eleven times seven near lived have I, 

And now God calls, 1 willing die. 

My shuttle's shot, my race is run, 

My sun is set, my deed is done ; 

My span is measured, tale is told, 

My flower is faded and grown old, 

My dream is vanish'd, shadow's fled, 

My soul with Christ, my body dead ; 

Farewell, dear wife ! children, and friends — 

Hate heresy, make blessed ends ; 

Bear poverty, live with good men, 

So shall we meet with joy again. 

Let men of God in courts and churches watch 
O'er such as do a toleration hatch, 
Lest that ill egg bring forth a cockatrice, 
To poison all with heresy and vice. 
If men be left, and otherwise combine, 
My epitaph's, I died no Libertine? 



Note 0, page 15. 

JOHN WILSON. 

Reverend John Wilson was born at Windsor, 1588. He was 
the third son of Dr. William Wilson, a prebend of St. Paul's, of 

1 For a more particular account of Governor Winthrop, see Mather's Magnalia, and 
Savage's Winthrop. 
* Magnalia I. 120. N. E. Memorial, p. 255. 



177 

Rochester, and of Windsor, and rector of Cliff. His mother was a 
neice of Dr. Edmund Grindal, archbishop of Canterbury. lie received 
his education at Eton and Cambridge. At the university he embraced 
the sentiments <>f the Puritans, and falling under censure on this 
account, he was induced by his father to study law, which he did for 
three years. His disposition to enter the ministry of the gospel, con- 
tinuing, however, he was permitted to return to the university in 
preparation for it. The difficulty he met with in obtaining ordination, 
is said to have led him to express his desires to God, in the following 
language : " That if the Lord would grant him a liberty of conscience, 
with purity of worship, he would be content, yea, thankful, though it 
were at the furthermost end of the world." A most prophetical reso- 
lution ! says Mather. 

Soon after preaching his first sermon, he was called to the bedside, 
of his dying father, where he kneeled, in his turn, with her to whom 
he was engaged in marriage ; and the old gentleman blessed him in 
the following terms : " Ah, John, I have taken much care about thee, 
such time as thou wast in the university, because thou wouldest not 
conform ; I would fain have brought thee to some higher preferment 
than thou hast yet attained unto. I see thy conscience is very scrupu- 
lous concerning some things that have been observed and imposed in 
the church ; nevertheless, I have rejoiced to see the grace and fear of 
God in thy heart, and seeing thou hast kept a good conscience hitherto, 
and walked according to thy light, so do still, and go by the rules of 
God's holy word. The Lord bless thee, and her whom thou hast chosen 
to be the companion of thy life ! " 

Mr. Wilson was distinguished for the many and varied excellencies 
of his character. He was not only charitable and rrenerous, but was 
liberal to a fault ; " he acted," says Mather, " as if the primitive agree- 
ment of having all things in common, had been of all things most 
agreeable unto him." He was a staunch friend to the faith and order 
of our churches ; and when one of another order was set up in Bos- 
ton, his language to his family was, " I charge you, that you do not 
once go to hear them ; for whatsoever they may pretend, they will rob 
you of ordinances, rob you of your souls, rob you of your God." But 
notwithstanding the strength of his attachment to his own religious 
principles, he was no less remarkable for his affectionate feelings. On 
one occasion, when he was present at a great muster of soldiers, a 
gentleman remarked to him, " Sir, I'll tell you a great thing ; here's a 
mighty body of people, and there is not seven of them all, but what 
loves Mr. Wilson ;" to which he immediately replied — " Sir, I'll tell 
you as good a thing as that; here's a mighty body of people, and there's 
not so much as one of them all, but Mr. Wilson loves him." 

In his younger days, he was greatly admired for his methodical 
preaching ; but after he became a pastor, and was associated with 
Cotton .ind Norton, so distinguished as teachers, he gave himself 
greater latitude in preaching, and his discourses, which were upon 
texts thai had been doctrinally treated of by his colleague, immediately 
before, were without distinct propositions, and consisted chiefly of ex- 
hortations and admonitions and good counsels ; but were, notwithstand- 
ing, very effective. He was accustomed, for the encouragement of the 
ministry and of religion, to go round and visit the congregations of the 
23 



178 

neighboring towns, at their weekly lectures, until prevented by the 
weakness of age. " And it was a delightful thing," says Mather, " to 
see upon every recurring opportunity, a large company of Christians, 
and even magistrates and ministers among them, and Mr. Wilson at 
the head of them, visiting the lecturers in all the vicinage, with such 
heavenly discourses on the road, as caused the hearts of the disciples 
to burn within them ; and it was remarked, that though the Christians 
then spent less time in the shop, or field, than they do now, yet they 
did in both prosper more." 

Mr. Wilson was emphatically a man of prayer, and the answers he 
is said to have received, are among the most remarkable any where on 
record. The blessings, too, which he pronounced upon individuals, 
seemed prophetical ; in so much, that many, and those of the most 
consideration in the colony, came from great distances, bringing their 
children with them, to receive his patriarchal benedictions. Rev. 
Thomas Shepard, of our church, who composed an elegy upon him, 
and seems to have been a pupil of his, alludes to this circumstance as 
follows : 

" As aged John, the apostle, us'd to bless 
The people, which they judged their happiness, 
So we did count it worth our pilgrimage 
Unto him, for his blessing in his age." 

Mr. Wilson was famous for his skill in making anagrams, which 
consisted in a witty conceit of transposing the letters of a name so as 
to make a different word or sentence. He was accustomed to make 
anagrams upon all his friends, and upon the name of any remarkable 
person he met with. Such verses were commonly attached to the 
hearse at funerals; and it looked, says Mather, like a piece of injus- 
tice, that Wilson's funeral, among the many poems it produced, brought 
out so few anagrams. " Some," he says, " thought the Muses looked 
very much dissatisfied, when they saw these lines upon his hearse : 

John Wilson. 

Anagram, 
John Wilson. 

Oh ! change it not ; no sweeter name or thing, 
Throughout the world, within our ears shall ring. 

Mr. Ward, the witty author of " The Simple Colder of Agawam," 
said with reference to Wilson's well-known hospitality, that the ana- 
gram of John Wilson was, " Ipray runic in, you are heartily welcome." 
lie died August 7, 1667, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. 1 

1 See Mather's Mag. ; New England Memorial ; Winlhrop's Journal, <Scc. 



179 

Note 10, page 10. 
WILLIAM BLACKSTONE. 

Of this gentleman, the first white inhabitant of Boston, living alone 
there, as Thomas Walford was on the Charlestown side, the following 
notices will be interesting. 

He had been living there four or five years when Winthrop and his 
company arrived, and resided there about as long after. He was an 
Episcopal clergyman, who left England because he liked not the 
" Lord's bishops ; " and Boston, afterwards, because he liked not the 
" Lord's brethren." 

Mr. Blackstone lived in the western part of Boston, where, near a 
spring, he had built a cottage, cultivated a garden plot, and planted 
an orchard — the first in Massachusetts. 

In the year 1034, he sold his property for £30, each householder 
paying him 6s. or more. With this he purchased cattle, and removed 
to the south about thirty-five miles, and settled near Providence. His 
house was situated near a stream called Abbot's Run, on a knoll 
which he called "Study Hill;" it was surrounded by a park, which is 
said to have been his daily favorite walk. He died May 26, 1075, and 
was buried on Study Hill, where " a flat stone marks his grave." l 



Note 11, page 18. 
INHABITANTS REMAINING IN CHARLESTOWN. 

In the month of September, (28th,) a levy was imposed upon the 
several plantations, of which Charlestown was to pay £7, and Boston 
,£11. So that it would seem the majority had removed across the 
river at this time. 2 

After the separation had taken place, in the autumn of 1030, we find 
the following entry made upon our Town Records. 

" A list of the names of such as staid, and became inhabitants of 
this town, in this year 1029, 3 following : 

Increase Nowell, Esq., William Hudson, Ezekiel Richeson, 

Mr. William Aspinwall, Mr. John Glover, John Baker, 

Mr. Richard Palsgrave, William Brakenburry, John Sales. 
Edward Converse, Rice Cole, 

William Penn, Hugh Garrett, 

Capt. Norton, ") 

Mr. Edward Gibbons, I These four went and built in the maine, on ihe north- 
Mr. William Jennings, j east side of the northwest creek of this town." 
John Abignall, j 

» 2 Mass. Hist. Coll. x. 170. Savage's Winthrop, I. p. 44.— 2 Prince, p. 313. — 3 1C30, it 
should be. See Note 5. 



180 

Note 12, page 18. 

MRS. WILSON. 

The object of Mr. Wilson's return to England, was to persuade his 
wife to accompany him, which he could not do when he first came. 
He seems to have failed, however, in this second endeavor, as we 
learn from the following extract of a letter written by Margaret Win- 
throp, to her son, in May or June, 1631. "Mr. Wilson is now in 
London, and promised me to come and see you. He cannot yet per- 
suade his wife to go, for all he hath taken this pains to come and fetch 
her. I marvel what mettle she is made of. Sure, she will yield at 
last, or else we shall want him exceedingly in New England." Mr. 
Wilson made another visit to England in 1635, and his wife probably 
returned with him at that time. After Mrs. Wilson had been per- 
suaded to accompany her husband into the American wilderness, 
Mather says he heard that she received for her consolation, a curious 
present from her kinsman, old Mr. Dod. " He sent her at the same 
time, a brass counter, a silver crown, and a gold jacobus ; all of them 
severally wrapped up, with this instruction to the gentleman that car- 
ried it : that he should, first of all, deliver only the counter; and if 
she received it with any show of discontent, he should then take no 
further notice of her ; but if she gratefully resented that small thing, 
for the sake of the hand it came from, he should then go on to deliver 
the silver, and so the gold; but withal, assure her, ' That such would 
be the dispensations of God unto her, and the other good people of 
New England : if they would be content and thankful with such little 
things, as God at first bestowed upon them, they should, in time, have 
silver and gold enough.' Mrs. Wilson, accordingly, by her cheerful 
entertainment of the least remembrance from good old Mr. Dod, gave 
the gentleman occasion to go through with his whole present, and the 
annexed advice, which hath in a good measure been accomplished." l 



Note 13, page 21. 
NEW AND OLD STYLE. 

According to the old style, the length of the year was computed to 
be 365 davs and hours ; so that every fourth year — called bissextile 
or leap year — when the <> hours amounted to '21, an additional day was 
reckoned, and the year made to consist of 366 days. 

But this method of computing time was erroneous, because the 
length of the year was not :5<i."> days and (i hours, but :?<>•"> days, 5 hours, 
-Is minutes, 49 5.7 ; so that by the old Btyle, the year was reckoned 11 
minutes, and 10.7 seconds too long. 

The oil style commenced in the |.">th year before Christ, and was 
introduced by Julius Cesar, from whom it has received the name of the 

1 Sec Mather I. 281. Wintfcrop I. 38*. 



181 

Julian Calendar. In the third century of the Christian Era, there was 
no difference between the two methods of computing time, or would 
have been none, had the new style been used then. But at the close 
of that century, the difference of the styles was one day, and increased 
a day in about 128 years; so that in 1582, when Pope Gregory XIII. 
introduced the new style, the old style had fallen behind 10 days. 
Gregory, accordingly, ordered that 10 days be omitted from the reck- 
oning, so that the day after October 4, of that year, be called October 
15, and made provisions against the accumulation of errors for the 
future. The Gregorian rule by which this correction is effected, is as 
follows: "Every year whose number is not divisible by 4, without 
remainder, consists of 365 days — every year which is so divisible, but 
is not divisible by 100 of 300— every year divisible by 100, but not by 
400, again of 305 — and every year divisible by 400, of 3(5(5. For ex- 
ample, the year 1845, not being divisible by 4, consists of 365 days; 
1848 of 366; 1800 and 1000 of 3(55 each ; but 2000 of 3(50." By 
this simple rule, the calendar may be preserved from any perceptible 
variation for thousands of years. 

But this was only a part of the change effected by the introduction 
of the new style. It changed the period for the year to commence. 

According to the old style, the year began on the "25th March, 
which was Lady day, or Annunciation, in commemoration of the event 
recorded Luke i. 20-38. But by the new style, it was made to begin 
on the 1st day of January. This will explain at once the use of double 
dates, which were common, and indeed necessary during the period of 
transition from one style to the other. It was customary to give two 
dates for the days that occurred between the 1st of January and the 
25th of March ; e. g. February 9, 1717-18, i. e., 1717, old style, when 
the year ended in March ; and 1718, new style, when it began in Jan- 
uary. Thus, according to the old style, January was the 11th month, 
and February the 12th, while September, ( )ctober, November, Decem- 
ber were, as their names import, the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th. Double dates 
are given on our church records, during the months of January, Feb- 
ruary and March, from the commencement of the century, as 1700-1, 
down to 1752, as 1751-2, when the new style became legal and 
universal. 

The change of style which took place in Catholic countries in the 
latter part of the sixteenth century, through the influence of the Pope, 
was not adopted in England and its colonies, until 1752, when, by act of 
Parliament, it was ordered that 1 1 days — the difference between the 
styles amounting to that after 1700— be omitted in the calendar, so that 
the day following the 2d of September of that year, should be called 
September 14, agreeably to the new style. 

From the above remarks, it is obvious, that to reduce old style to 
new, it is necessary simply to add 10 days, if the date is of the 16th or 
17th century ; 11 days, if the date be of the 18th century, and 12, if 
the date be of the present century, as is the case with Russian dates. 
Care must also be taken to give double dates, or specify which style is 
used in recording the dates of events occurring between 1st January 
and 25th March, when the difference of style was, as explained above, 
one whole year. e. g. This church was organized 2d day of the 9th 
month, 1032, old style ; or, November 12, 1032, new style. The fust 



182 

baptism was that of the pastor's son, John James, 11th month, 9th day, 
1032, old style; or, January 9, 1633, new style. In the course of this 
work I have not preserved the double dates, but have given the one 
which makes the year begin with January. 

I should not have thought it necessary to be thus particular in 
explaining the difference of the styles, after so much has been written 
upon it, were it not evident that mistakes are still made in regard to it. 

It has been customary to add 11 days in changing old style into new 
style, without regard to the century to which the date belongs. This 
was indeed the difference between the styles in the last century ; but it 
was only 10 days in the two preceding centuries, e. g. Washington 
was born February 11, 1732, old style; and we rightly observe the 
anniversary of his birth on the 22d of February, for the difference of 
styles was 11 days during the whole of the last century. The Pilgrims 
landed on Plymouth Rock, Monday, December ll, 1 1020, old style ; 
and it is an error to commemorate the anniversary of this event on 
December 22, because the difference of the styles was then 10, and 
not 11 days. 

It has surprised me much, to find the same error committed in the 
inscription placed upon the monument erected to the memory of Har- 
vard, in our burying-ground, by the alumni of the college. Harvard 
died September 14, 1038, old style, as we learn from Danforth's Alma- 
nac for 1049, printed at Cambridge, a copy of which is in possession 
of Rev. Mr. Sewall, of Burlington. Gov. Everett, in his " address 
delivered at the erection of a monument to John Harvard, September 
20, 1828," says, " He died on the 14th September, of the year follow- 
ing his arrival, corresponding in the new style, to the 20th of Septem- 
ber." This date, accordingly, is inscribed upon the granite shaft 
erected to his memory, as the date of his death. 

But with deference to the eminent authority of the gentlemen con- 
cerned, may it not be said that this is evidently a mistake ? 

It will be admitted, that at the time when Harvard died, there was 
a difference of 10 days between the reckoning of the old style and of 
the new ; in other words, that the day (in which Harvard died, which 
was called in New England September 14th, was reckoned in Rome, 
and in all countries where the new Btyle prevailed, September 21th, 
Harvard did not die, therefore, September 20, 1038, new style, unless 
that style, as then reckoned in Catholic countries, was incorrectly com- 
puted, which never has been maintained. 

Perhaps it will be said, that although the difference of styles was 
only 10 days in the seventeenth century, it has now increased to 12 
days. If this he true, the inscription upon the monument will still he 
incorrect, for it declares that Harvard died September 2(5, 1038, which 
was two days later than his death upon any supposition. But besides 

1 Bradford and Winslow'a journal, as published by the Rev. IWr. Young, in his valuable 
" Chronicles of the Pilgrims, gives the daicut' Monday as December u.<>r the Saturday 
preceding, as December 10. p. 161. It' tliis were the true date, December 22 would be the 
anniversary of the ever memorable landing. Hut it is obviously a mistake, as will appear 
from a c parison ni tin- preceding and succeeding dates given m the journal —Wednes d ay 

being mentioned as December ti. while Saturday is given as December IU. Prince, quoting 

Bra H'ord. gives the right date tor Monday, December 1 1. TheSlst of December, therefore, 
is the anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, the 22d having- been 
lixed upon on the erroneous supposition that it corresponds to December 1 1, old style. 



183 

this, it is obviously a mistaken notion, that after a date of the 17th or 
18th century has been changed to the new style in those centuries, by 
adding 10 or 11 days, any new correction is demanded for errors 
accumulated since. No such errors can be accumulated by the new 
style, but only by the old, which reckons one more leap year in four 
centuries than does the new style. February 22, 1832, is just one 
hundred years after February 22, 1732, new style, or February 11, 
1732, old style. If it were not so, we ought now to observe the anni- 
versary of Washington's birthday, February 23d, on the supposition 
that there are 12 days difference now between new and old style, which 
is plainly absurd. Just so, September 24, 1838, is the second cen- 
tennial anniversary of Harvard's death, being exactly two hundred years 
after September 24, 1638, new style, or September 14, 1638, old style. 
I find these views corroborated in a brief but lucid note appended to 
Professor Kingsley's discourse, on the second centennial anniversary of 
the settlement of New Haven. See also a full and accurate explana- 
tion of new and old style, and double dating, by Rev. Samuel Sewall, 
of Burlington, in the American Quarterly Register, vol. xiv. p. 254. 



Note 14, page 21. 

THE RECORDS AND COMPARATIVE AGE OF THE CHURCH. 

The following very accurate and minute description of the first 
volume of our church records, was drawn up with great, labor by the 
Rev. Samuel Sewall, for the American Quarterly Register, volume xii., 
page 247. 

The Records of this Church are, it is believed, the only records in exist- 
ence of any church in the County of Middlesex formed as early as the seven- 
teenth century, which have been kept in regular, and (in the main) unbroken 
series from the beginning, except the records of the Church of Lexington, 
gathered 1696. The Church of South Reading, (formerly First Church, 
Reading,) gathered 1645, has some very ancient records, but they are not 
entire ; nor do they reach quite back to its foundation. 

This precious relic of antiquity is a small quarto volume of 386 pages, of 
which 381 are numbered. Of these, the first 357 pages are occupied by the 
Title, Table of Contents, Covenants, Admissions to the Church, Owners of 
the Covenant, Baptisms, and Marriages solemnized by Mr. Morton. The 
remaining pages, commencing with the last page, (the book being inverted,) 
are appropriated to recording Church votes, censures, the choice and ordina- 
tions of Church officers, (as pastors and deacons,) &c, though several of the 
last named matters of record are inserted among the Admissions. 

Subjoined are copies or accounts of some interesting matters of record, 
contained in this venerable volume. 

1. The Title. 

" The book that belongs unto the Church of God in Charltowne : which 
Church was gathered, and did enter into Church Covenant the 2d. day of the 
9th. month 1632." — Elder Green, 1st page of blank leaf at the beginning. 



184 



II. " The Contents. 

" 1631. The names of those who did Enter into y e Covenant first, . p. 1 
"The Covenant to particular persons for their Consent, when 

they are to be admitted 2 

" 1633. Names of persons admitted 3 

M l«i32. Names of the Baptized 201 

"1665. Names of y e Baptized as have publiquely renewed Cove- } 

nant with God & this Church, yet not taken into \ 101 
Communion in y e Lord's Supper ) 

" 1G77. Names of such as have been admitted into this Church,? .»» 
but not unto full Communion $ . 

" 1658. Church Censures &. Votes past in Weifty") ., , e 

(Weighty) "Cases by this Church of C°U»er end ot 
Christ at Charles Town ^ ? book - 

" 1687. Names of persons Married by y e minister 283" 

Mr. Morton, 1st page of blank leaf at beginning. 

The above Table of Contents is in the hand writing of Mr. Morton, who 
was the first and the only minister that recorded marriages in this book. 
Before his day, ministers in this country were not authorized to solemnize 
marriages. It is remarkable, that he should have prefixed the date ' 1631 ' to 
the two first articles of record, when, according to the title of the book just 
above it, the Church was not gathered till 1632. 

III. " The Names of those who did enter into the Covenant first. 



" Increase, Parnel, Nowell. 

" Tho:, Christian, Beecher. 

" Abra:, Grace, Palmer. 

" Ralph, Jone, Sprague. 

" Edward, Sarah, Convers. 

" Nicholas, Amy, Stowers. 

" Ezek:, Susan, Richeson. 

" Henery, Elizabeth, Harwood. 

" Robert, Jone, Hale. 

" Geo:, Margerit, Hucheson. 

" Tho:, Elizab:, James. 

" William, Ann:, Frothingam. 

" Ralph, Alice, Mousall. 

" Rice, Arrold, Cole. 

" Richard, Mary, Sprague. 

" John, Bethiah, Haule. 

•■ William Dade. 

" Thomas Minor. 

" Tliomas Squire. 


The forme of the Covenant. 


'• In the Name of o r ' Lord God, and in 
obedience to his holy will and divine ordi- 
nances. 

" Wee whose names are heer written 
Beeing by his most wise and good provi- 
dence brought together, and desirous to 
unite o r - selus into one Congregation or 
Church, under o r - Lord Jesus Christ our 
Head : In such sort as becometh all those 
whom he hath Redeemed and Sanctified 
unto himselfe, Doe heer Sollemnly and 
Keligeously as in his most holy presence, 
Promice and bynde o r - selus to walke in all 
■ i r - waves according to the Rules of the 
Gospel], and in all sinceer conformity lo his 
holy Ordinances; and in mutuall Love and 
Respect each to other: so near as God shall 
give us grace." 


" These were dismissed from BostOD 
Church the 14th of the eaight moneth 1632." 



Pag* 1st. 



IV. Admissions. 



Among the Admissions to this church recorded in this book, are those of 
almost all its ministers before Mr. Paine, ordained in 1787, (when a new vol- 
ume had been substituted), and also of many others, both clergymen and 
laymen, who were men of eminence in their day. 

Subjoined is the sum of admissions to full communion in this church down 
to the year 1768, as recorded in this first volume of its records. The occa- 
sional omission of given names in the records, or the occurrence of such as 





Males. 


Females. 


Uncertain. 


Total. 


1656, 


136 


189 


9 


334 


1660, 


8 


11 


1 


20 


1677, 


54 


112 





166 


1685, 


20 


40 





60 


1697, 


27 


41 


1 


69 


1731, 


141 


351 





492 


1768, 


128 


305 


2 


435 



185 

Faintnot, Suretrust, Gardy, Manes, Menry, Randall, Shippy, has rendered it 
impossible, in a few instances, to determine with certainty the sex of the 
members referred to. 

Aggregate of Admissions. 

Recorded hy ] 

The Ruling Elder from 1632 

Mr. Sj'mmes, " 1658 

Mr. JShepard, sen. " 1660 

Mr. Shepardjun. " 1680 

.Mr. Morion, " 1686 

Mr. Bradsireet, " 1698 

Mr. Abbot, " 1731 

514 1,049 13 1,576 

The largest number of admissions in any one year, recorded in this 
ancient volume, was in 1741, the period of the revivals in the time of White- 
field. In that year, GO persons were admitted. In 1639, there were 38 
admissions; in 1652,30 admissions; in 1714, 25 admissions; and in 1728, 
the year after "the Great Earthquake," October 29, 1727, there were 65 
admissions. During the same year, (viz. 1728,) a corresponding increased 
attention to religion, and extraordinary additions to the churches, were 
observable very generally throughout New England. On the other hand, in 
1649, 1651, 1653, 1654, 1663, and 1693, no addition to First Church Charles- 
town, are found upon record. 

Before 1663, all admissions to this church were understood to be admis- 
sions to all the privileges of church members. But the adoption by the 
church that year, of the Result of the Synod of 1662, respecting Baptism, 
&c, led to a threefold distinction of its members in the subsequent arrange- 
ments of its records ; viz., 

1. " Persons admitted into full Communion." 

2. "The names of such Children of the Covenant as have publickly 
renew'd their Covenant w* God and this Church, yet not taken unto Com- 
munion in y e L ds - Supp." — p. 101. 

3. " The names of such persons as have been admitted into this Church, 
but not unto full Communion." — p. 1 79. 

By the second distinction, persons appear to have been intended, who 
having in infancy been offered in baptism by their parents, being church 
members, were considered as virtually members of the church themselves, 
and subject to its inspection and discipline ; and who owning the covenant at 
mature age, were admitted to the privilege of baptism for their children, but 
not as yet to the Lord's Table. 

By the third distinction, all other persons were apparently denoted, who 
owning the covenant, were taken under the watch and discipline of the 
church, and obtained in it the privilege of baptism for themselves and their 
children, but did not commune in the Lord's supper. 

Apparently however, both these distinctions were sometimes confounded in 
recording, especially by Mr. Morton ; and his successors, Rev. Messrs. Brad- 
street and Abbot, recorded the names of persons of both descriptions, with- 
out discrimination, under the common title of " Renewers of the Covenant." 

V. Baptisms. 

The following is a copy of a memorandum respecting the number of bap- 
tisms in this church, entered at the close of the book, p. 381, apparently by 
Mr. Abbot. 

24 



186 



" Memorandum, taken 21 Aug. 1771. 

"The Rev. Mr. Gordon who came from London, came to visit me on the 
day abovesaid and borrowed tbe Ch. Buoks, that he might find by the Bap- 
tisms, the Proportion of Males to Females, that had been born among us. 
And upon search he found them equal from the Year 1(532, when the Old 
Book was begun. And from that year to the present year 1771 according to 
his Calculation there were 2881) males, and 2880 females baptized. N. B. he 
found a Chasm in the Records, w herein no Entries were made of the Chil- 
dren Baptiz'd for 17 years. This Ace 1 he gave me, when he return'd the 
Books unto me." 

Subjoined is the result of an enumeration by the writer of this article, of 
the baptisms recorded in the " Old Book " alone : premising, that the occur- 
rence in the records of unusual given names has sometimes left the sex of 
the persons baptized undetermined ; and that the occasional omission both of 
names and of numbers has in a few other instances made it uncertain how 
many were baptized. In cases of the latter description, the smallest number 
possible, under the circumstances given, has been assumed as the true one. 

Sum of Baptisms. 











Une. 


Une. 








Recorded by 


Years. 


Males. 


Females. 


Wo. 


Sez. 


Total. Infants. Adv.lt». 


The Ruling Elder from 1633 to 1 


81 


82 








163 


163 





Mr. Symmes, " 


1G58 " 1G63, 


5 


6 


5 


5 


16 


16 





Mr. Snepard, sen. " 


1659 " 1677, 


301 


274 








575 


569 


6 


Mr. Shepard, jun. " 


; 1680 " 1685, 


135 


149 


14 


14 


298 


286 


12 


Mr. Morion, " 


16 16 « 1697, 


285 


338 








623 


562 


61 


Mr Bradstreet, " 


1698 " 1731, 


952 


944 








1,896 


1,792 


104 


Mr. Abbot, 


1731 « 1768, 


1,093 


1,075 





5 


2,173 


2,132 


41 


Total recorded during 


; 135 years, 


2,852 


2,868 


19 


24 


5,744 


5,520 


224 



In the above schedule of baptisms, all have been reckoned among adults, 
who are noticed expressly as being "young men," wives, widows, persons of 
14 years old and upwards, or whose names are given alone, without the 
names of their parents, as well as those who are expressly called adults. All 
are accounted as "Infants," who are said to be the sons or daughters or chil- 
dren of such, or of such parents ; both those whose age is stated to be less 
than 14, and those whose age is not mentioned, and who constitute more than 
nineteen-twentieths of the whole. . The earliest adult baptism recorded in 
this ancient volume, that has been observed, was in 1673. 

Perhaps I shall find no more appropriate place to make a few 
remarks respecting the seniority of our churches. 

The first church of Plymouth was gathered in 1002, or in 1606, l 
when the original church became two. This church removed, after its 
organization, to Holland, and thence to Plymouth; and although the 
majority of the church, with their pastor, John Robinson, remained in 
Holland, yet it was determined that "those who go first, should be 
an absolute church of themselves, as well as those that stay; with this 
proviso, that as any go over or return, they shall be reputed as mem- 
bers, without further dismission or testimonial; and those who tarry 
to follow the rest as soon as they can." 2 This was obviously not an 
Organization of a new church, but a temporary arrangement, created 
by the exigency of their situation, and designed to cease with it. 

The first church of Salem was organized August 6, l(ii!». 

1 Prince, 100. ' Young's Chronicles, 77. 



187 

The first church of Dorchester was organized in Jannary, 1630, 1 in 
the New Hospital at Plymouth, in England. They se1 Bail March, and 
settled in Dorchester, in June, the same year. In 1035, however, this 
church removed to Connecticut, and settled the town of Windsor. 
The present first church of Dorchester was formed August 23, I 636. 

On the 30th July, 1(330, church covenants were formed and sub- 
scribed in Charlestown and Watertovvn. 

The Charlestown church, with their pastor, Rev. John Wilson, soon 
held their meetings in Boston. The present first church of Charles- 
town was formed from the Boston church, November 2, 1632. The 
writers upon our early history, before Mr. Savage, 2 have represented 
our church as being the original, and the Boston church as the off- 
shoot. But this is disproved by the records of the respective churches. 

The church in Roxbury was gathered in 1632, and another in 
Lynn the same year ; the last, however, was reorganized a few years 
after. 

The church in Cambridge was organized October 11, 1633 ; but in 
1636, they went with their pastor, Mr. Hooker, as the Dorchester 
people had done, to Connecticut, and settled the town of Hartford. 
The present first church of Cambridge was formed Feburary 1, 1636. 

From the above, it will appear that the order of the churches, in 
respect of age, is as follows: 1. Plymouth; 2 Salem; 3. Windsor, 
Connecticut ; 4. Boston and Watertown ; 6. Roxbury ; 7. Charles- 
town ; 8. Hartford, Connecticut. After these, come, ( J. Ipswich, 1634; 
10. Newbury, 1635; 11. Weymouth, 1635, July ; 12. I lingham, 1(535, 
September; 13. Cambridge, February, 1636; 14. Concord, 1636, 
Julv ; 15. Dorchester, August, 1636. 



Note 15, page 22. 

THE NEW ENGLAND VERSION OF THE PSALMS. 

The version of Psalms, commonly used by the Fathers of New 
England in public worship, was that by Sternhold and Hopkins, which 
was printed at the end of their Bibles. With this translation they 
were dissatisfied, because it altered in so many instances, both the text 
and sense of the inspired Psalmist; and it was agreed upon, therefore, 
by the magistrates and ministers, that a new version should be pre- 
pared. The chief divines of the country took each of them a portion 
to translate ; but Mr. Welde and Mr. Eliot of Roxbury, and Mr. 
Mather of Dorchester, were the responsible editors of the work. 
Their poetic ability, however, seems not to have met with general 
commendation ; Mr. Shepard of Cambridge, addressed to them the 
following lines : 

" You Roxbury poets, keep clear of the crime, 

Of missing to give us very good rhyme. 

And you of Dorchester, your verses lengthen, 

But with the text's own words, you will them strengthen." 

« 1 Hist. Coll. v. 166, and ix. 148. * Winthrop i. 94. 



188 

This version was printed at Cambridge, 1G40, and was the first book 
published in New England. The first thing which was printed was 
the freeman's oath; the next was an Almanac, made for New England, 
by Mr. William Peirce, mariner; the next was the New Version of the 
Psalms. The work being thought, however, to require " a little more 
art," it was committed to Mr. Dunster, president of Harvard College, 
whose edition was in use among our churches till supplanted by AVatts. 

The great characteristic of the New England version, was an exact 
conformity to the original Hebrew and Greek. " I must confess," says 
Mather, " that the Psalms have never yet seen a translation, that I 
know of, nearer to the Hebrew original." Mr. Prince, who, at the 
request of the Old South church, prepared a revised edition of the work 
in 1757, says in his preface of the original authors, that "they not 
only had the happiness of approaching nearer to the inspired original, 
than all other versions in English rhyme ; but in many places of excel- 
ling them in simplicity of style, and in affecting terms, being the words 
of God, which more strongly touch the soul ; on which accounts, I 
found in England, it was by some eminent congregations preferred to 
all others in their public worship, even down to 1717, when I last left 
thai part of the British kingdom." Still, it must be confessed, not- 
withstanding its correctness as a translation, and the occasional excel- 
lence of its style, that it has but little beauty or elegance, and that 
many of the lines are filled out with insignificant particles which gen- 
erally enfeeble the style. 

Tins version was long in use among our churches — having passed 
through more than twenty editions — and was reluctantly exchanged by 
some congregations only after the American Revolution. 

The church of Plymouth used Ainsworth's version, and did not 
adopt the New England version till the latter part of the seventeenth 
century. 1 

It was the practice for one of the officers of the church to read the 
hymns and give out the tune. Sometimes other persons were desig- 
nated to perforin this duty. March 7, 1731, it was voted by the town, 
" that Mr. Stephen Badger, Jr., be desired to read and set the Psalms 
in the meeting-house, in the time of public worship. Then voted that 
Mr. Badger be excused his poll-tax so long as he officiates in said 
work." 



Note 1G, page 30. 

THE SPIRIT OF THE PURITANS. 

I do not flatter myself thai the imperfect account I have given of the 
origin and character of the Puritans, will commend itself to all as 
being just even as far as it goes. It i> qo( an easy matter, at any time, 
to portray the character of a body of men who have originated Borne 
great movement; much less is it bo, while that movement is still felt, 
and its final issues are yet unknown. Another difficulty in the way of 

' Magnalia i. 367. 1 Hist. Coll. vii. xix. and via. 10. Winthrop i. 289. Wisner's Hist. 
O. S.< mn h 



189 

forming a just estimate of the Puritan character, arises, I apprehend, 
from the great diversity of views which prevailed in their own ranks. 
They were, it is important to remember, the reforming party of the 
church, embracing almost every shade of opinion from those who 
were ready to conform in all, or nearly all particulars, to those whose 
conscientious scruples were so numerous and powerful as to make 
them sympathize with the Separatists, who denounced the whole 
English ^church, like the Roman, as anti-Christian. We doubt not, 
therefore, that there was a wide diversity of views in the Puritan 
party, ranging from high views of church authority on the one hand, 
to a near alliance with rigid separation on the other ; and this diversity 
affords to partizan writers materials for the most opposite representa- 
tions. But it should be carefully borne in mind, that the Puritans, as 
a body, were friends — earnest and cordial friends of the church of 
England. They held to its articles of doctrinal belief without excep- 
tion — they would have submitted to the essential parts of its discipline 
and worship, and might have been retained as the most energetic and 
self-denying members of the church, at the expense of the abolition of 
a few forms, not at all essential in themselves, and important only as 
test questions of obedience to authority in matters of religion not sus- 
tained by the word of God, and as a tyrannical interference, therefore, 
with liberty of conscience. 

The Puritans were not only distinct from the Separatists, but main- 
tained spirited controversies with them. The Separatists and Puritans 
were agreed in receiving the doctrinal articles of the church of Eng- 
land, and in opposing certain ceremonies of worship, and unscriptural 
powers of her courts and bishops. But the Separatists went further, 
and denied that the English church, as constituted by law, was a 
true church of Christ ; and affirmed that it was a duty to separate 
from her, and all who held communion with her. This the Puritans 
zealously opposed, judging that they ought to remain in the church and 
labor for its reformation. " A separation," said one of them in IG08, 
" we deny not from the corruption of the church wherein we live ; 
but the difference is, we (i. e., the Puritans) suffer for separating in the 
church; you, (i. e., the Separatists) out of the church." l 

At first, Robinson and his church were Separatists. But in Holland 
he is said, by conversing with Dr. Ames and Mr. Parker, to have 
grown more moderate ; and it is certain that the views he afterwards 
inculcated upon his church, were enlightened and catholic. " He 
ever held," says Winslow, who lived three years under his ministry, 
" how wary persons ought to be in separating from a church ; and that 
till Christ the Lord departed wholly from it, man ought not to leave it, 
only to bear witness against the corruption that was in it." 2 

It is not a matter of surprise, therefore, that the Plymouth and 
Massachusetts colonies, although in England of different and opposing 
religious views, came to agree upon the same principles of church 
order. " There will be no difference," said Robinson in his farewell 
advice to the Pilgrims, " between the unconformable ministers and 
you, when they come to the practice of the ordinances out of the 
kingdom. And so he advised us by all means, to endeavor to close 

' See Prince's Chron. p. 303. * Chron. I'il. p. 388. 



190 

with the godly party of the kingdom of England, and rather to study 
union than division ; viz., how near we might possibly, without sin, 
close with them, rather than in the least measure to affect division, or 
separate from them." ' 

And accordingly, those Puritans, who in England would, for the 
sake of peace and unity, have supported a moderate Episcopacy and a 
reformed liturgy, when they had crossed the ocean and settled in a 
wilderness, to escape persecution and " to practice the positive part of 
church reformation," were prepared, with no surrender of principle, 
but rather from the same spirit of deference for the supreme authority 
of the Scriptures, and of regard for Christian union, to go hand in hand 
with their Plymouth brethren, in ordering their church estate by the 
light of God's word. 



Note 17, page 33. 

INCREASE NOWELL. 

Increase Nowell appears to have married Parnel, the daughter of 
Catharine Coytmore ; for the latter in her will, dated 30. 2. 1658, 
gives to the five children of her son, Increase Nowell, and to the five 
children of her daughter, Catharine Greves, Thomas, Nathaniel, 
Joseph, Rebecca, Susanna, " the dwelling house lately inhabited by 
myself, now by Mr. Thomas Shepard, near the meeting-house, to be 
sold and divided equally among them." This house is referred to in 
the following interesting extract from Sewall's manuscript journal. 
" January 20, 1097. I lodged at Charlestown, at Mrs. Shepard's, who 
tells me Mr. Harvard built that house. I lay in the chamber next the 
street. As I lay awake past midnight, in my meditation, I was affected 
to consider how long ago God had made provision for my comfortable 
lodging that night — seeing that was Mr. Harvard's house — and that led 
me to think of heaven, the house not made with hands, which God for 
many thousands of years has been storing with the richest furniture, 
(saints that are from time to time placed there,) and that I had some 
hopes of being entertained in tliis magnificent, convenient palace, 
every way fitted and furnished. These thoughts were very refreshing 
to me." 

The children of Increase and Parnel Nowell, not including three 
who died in infancy, were 

1. Samuel, born November 12, 1034. Graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege, 1053. He became a preacher of the gospel, but was never set- 
tled in the ministry. He preached frequently, however, and notes of 
many of his sermons have been preserved among the Mather manu- 
scripts in the Antiquarian library, at Worcester. One of his sermons 
was published. It is entitled, "Abraham in Arms; or, the first 
Religious General with his army engaging in a war for which he had 



» See Chron. Pfl. p. 398. 



191 

wisely prepared, and by which not only an eminent victory was ob- 
tained, but a blessing gained also. Delivered in an artillery election 
sermon, June 3, 1678." I am so well pleased with bis preface, tbat 
I have transcribed it. 

" To the Reader : 

" Friendly reader, a desire to gratify my friends, hath made me, 
against my own judgment, to consent to the publication of these notes, 
taken by one of the auditors ; to which I am not able to make that 
addition, by means of my inability to write, through infirmity in my 
right hand, which God hath been pleased to exercise me with, almost 
wholly taking away the use of my hand ; what is, therefore, made pub- 
lic, is not mine own notes, but agreeing in the substance with what 
was delivered. This argument also prevailed with me to let this come 
forth. I thought others more able, seeing this imperfect work to find 
acceptance with some, might thereby be provoked to preach and print 
something that might be more effectual to revive our military disci- 
pline, and the spirit of soldiery, which seems to be in its wane, in an 
age when never more need of it. The love I have for this country, 
where I drew my first breath, hath made me run the gauntlet by expos- 
ing this to the world, hoping that they that fault it, will endeavor to 
mend it by some mean or other, and to pray for the author, who is a 
friend to all of such a spirit, 

Samuel Nowell." 

Mr. Nowell is mentioned by Mather, (vol. II. 492,) as chaplain in the 
army employed against the Narragansetts. He was also, for several 
years, treasurer of the college. He afterwards sustained important 
civil trusts, and was chosen, in 1680, an assistant of the colony, in 
which office he continued until 1686. The precise date of his death 
has not been preserved, but it was while Rev. Increase Mather was in 
London, for there is preserved among the Mather manuscripts belong- 
ing to the Old South church, a note of invitation for Mr. Mather to 
attend the funeral of Mr. Nowell. 

Mary, the widow of Samuel Nowell, we learn from Sewall's manu- 
script journal, died in Charlestown, Monday, August 14, 1693. Fu- 
neral August 15. Bearers, Mr. Cook, Major Hutchinson, Sewall, 
Allen, Willard, Baily. She was laid in Mr. Usher's tomb. 

2. Mehetable, born February 2, 1638. She was admitted to full 
communion with the church, February 24, 1666-7, under the name of 
Mehetable Hilton, having married Mr. William Hilton, who was ad- 
mitted to the church August 14, 1670, by letter of dismission from the 
church in Newbury. Thomas Shepard, second, calls William Hilton 
his cousin. The children of William and Mehetable Hilton were — 
Nowell, born May 4, 1663; Edward, born March 3, 1666; John, 
baptized May 24, 1668 ; Richard, born September 13, 1670 ; and 
Charles, born April 19, 1673. Mr. Hilton dying 7th 7 mo. 1675, 
she afterwards married Dea. John Cutler, and died September, 1711, 
aged seventy-three years eight months. Her grave-stone is still stand- 
ing in our burying-ground. 

This William Hilton was a mariner, and I suppose him to be the 
author of a book I found in the extensive and highly valuable library 



192 

of Peter Force, Esq., of Washington city. It is entitled, " A Relation 
of a Discovery lately made on the coast of Florida, (from latitude 31 
to 33 degrees, 45 minutes north latitude,) by William Hilton, com- 
mander and commissioner with Captain Anthony Long and Peter 
Fabian, in the ship Adventure, which set sail from Spikes Bay, August 
10, 1063, and was set forth by several gentlemen and merchants of the 
Island of Barbadoes." It gives an interesting "account of the nature 
and temperature of the soil, the manners and disposition of the natives, 
and whatsoever else is remarkable therein." Printed in London, 1064, 

3. Increase, baptized May 19, 1(340. He appears to have followed 
the seas. 

4. Mary, born May 26, 1643. She joined the church February 23, 
166S, under the name of Mary Winslow, having married Isaac Wins- 
low, August 14, 1666. After his death she married Mr. John Long, 
September 10, 1674. 

5. Besides these, there was Alexander, who graduated at Harvard 
College, 1664 ; was the author of several almanacs, and died 1672. 

The substance of Mr. Increase Nowell's will is as follows : 
" My will is, that my son Increase, his own inclination being to sea, 
be brought up a seaman. Next, my will is, that my son Alexander, if 
he incline to learning, be brought up a scholar, if the estate be able to 
bear it, and he prove towardly and capable; if not, in some other 
honest trade, and my executors and overseers think meet." He 
ordered his estate to be divided into six parts, of which Samuel was to 
have two, Increase, Alexander, Mehetable and Mary, one. He be- 
queathed c£40 to his pastor, Zechariah Symmes, and the same to Mr. 
Wilson, and 20s. apiece to the Ruling Elder, John Greene, and the 
two Deacons, Ralph Mousall and Robert Hale. He appointed his 
wife and his son Samuel, his executors, and the two deacons his over- 
seers. The whole estate amounted to c £'592, besides 3,200 acres of 
land, granted by the General Court, in 1650, and situated near the 
Merrimack River, in New JIampshire, but not then laid out. 



Note 18, page 33. 
CAPT. RICHARD SPRAGUE. 

Tiif. original will of Capt. Sprague is preserved in the probate office, 
and an ancient copy of it is among the church papers. It bears date 
October 5, 1703. 

" First and principally, I recommend my soul to Almighty God my 
Creator, hoping and believing to receive full pardon and free remission 
of all my sins, and to be saved by the precious death and merits of my 
blessed Saviour and Redeemer Christ Jesus, and my body to the earth, 
from whence it was taken, to be therein buried in a decent and Chris- 
tian manner, according to the directions of my executors hereinafter 
named." 

After providing for the payment of his debts, he bequeaths, 



193 

1. .£100 to the church in money, part of it to be laid out and in- 
vested in four silver tankards for sacramental use, and the rest to be 
disposed of by the deacons and their successors, for the best advantage 
of the church. 

2. £50 to Rev. Simon Bradstreet. 

3. <£20 to Rev. Mr. Michael Wigglesworth. 

4. ,£500 to his sister, Mary Edmands, and her children. 

5. To the five sons of his eldest brother, John Sprague, deceased, 
and to the two sons of his brother, Samuel Sprague, deceased, his 
farm-house, land, wood-lot, or tenement occupied by Charles Hun- 
newell, and £2Q apiece. 

6, 7, & Various sums to several relatives and friends whom he 
mentions. 

9. To his sister, Mary Edmands, a silver tankard, and liis dwelling 
house and land adjoining, to be disposed of after her death for the 
benefit of the poor in the town ; also, all his household stuff to be dis- 
posed of for the annual benefit of the poor. 

10. Disposes of his wearing apparel. 

11. "I do give and bequeath the house and land Mr. Simon Brad- 
street now possesseth, unto my sister, Mary Edmands, during her nat- 
ural life; and after that, to Mr. Bradstreet aforesaid, during his con- 
tinuance in the work of the ministry in the town of Charlestown, the 
town paying the sum of £10, according to the town's vote, for the rent 
thereof; and after Mr. Simon Bradstreet's death, or discontinuance in 
the work of the ministry in this said town of Charlestown, I do give 
and bequeath unto the said town of Charlestown, the said house and 
land, to be and to remain for the use of the ministry in said town for- 
ever, and not to be alienated or disposed of for any other use or uses 
whatsoever." 

13. " I do give and bequeath unto Harvard College, in Cambridge, 
the sum of £400 in money, to be disposed of according to the discre- 
tion and management of the now President, and the Hon. John Lev- 
eret, Mr. William Brattle, and Mr. Simon Bradstreet ; and further, I 
do give unto the poor of the town of Charlestown, my fourth part of 
the sloop Friendship, the same to be put to interest for the use of the 
poor aforesaid, to be managed by the selectmen of the town." 

The remaining parts of the will consist of additional legacies to his 
relatives and friends, excepting this clause in a codicil : " I give and 
bequeath unto the free-school in Charlestown, £50 money, to be put to 
interest by the selectmen or treasurer, annually, for the use of said 
school ; the interest only to be spent yearly for the end aforesaid ; the 
principal not to be used any other ways but by letting for lawful inter- 
est, and the interest to be annually improved as aforesaid." 

The house bequeathed to the poor of the town, in the paragraph 
numbered 9, was sold, as we learn from the town records, to Samuel 
Henley, May 13, 1732. 



25 



194 

Note 19, page 34. 
LIST OF DEACONS. 

The first three deacons of the church were Ralph Mousall, Rohert 
Hale, and Thomas Lynde. Ralph Mousall and Rohert Hale were 
among the original members of the church, and were probably ap- 
pointed when the church \v;is organized ; the first died April 30, 1657, 
and the second July 16, 1659. Thomas Lynde was admitted to the 
church February 4, 1636 ; but of his appointment to the office of 
deacon, no record is left. He died December 30, 1671. William 
Stilson and Robert Cutler were ordained deacons October 16, 1659, 
the former of whom was admitted to the church March 22, 1633, and 
died April 11, 1691, aged ninety-one years; and the latter was admit- 
ted to the church at the same time with John Harvard and. Anna his 
wife, November 6, 1637, and died March 7, 1665. John Cutler, the 
son of Deacon Robert, and Aaron Ludkin, were ordained deacons 
February 25, 1672, and both died the same year, 1694 ; the first, Sep- 
tember 18, and the second, March 26. "On the 28th April, 1695, 
three deacons (the church being then wholly destitute) having been 
formerly and regularly nominated, and declared in the whole congre- 
gation, namely, Mr. William Foster, Mr. John Call, and Mr. Joseph 
Kettle ; Mr. Foster excused himself because of the infirmity of his 
age, and therefore the other two only were this day ordained." ' 

There is in the burying-ground, the grave-stone of Deacon Edward 
Wilson, who died December 31, 1706, aged seventy-three. He was 
admitted to the church July 29, 1660 ; but of his election or ordination 
to the office of deacon, no record remains. 

In addition to those mentioned above, the following persons have 
successively filled the office of deacon : 

Jonathan Gary, chosen Deacon .... May 3, 1710. 

Samuel Frothingham, " June 5, 1723. 

Jonathan Kettel, . " " " 

Michael Brigden, . " February 5, 1752. 

Thomas Symmes, . " " " 

William Kettell, . " January 21, 1763. 

John Frothingham, " " " 

David Cheever, . . " January 20, 17C8. 

Timothy Austin, . " " " 

John Larkin,. . . " June 8, 1787. 

Thomas Miller, . . » " " 

James Frothingham, " January 21, 1793. 

Amos Tufts, ..." July 5, 1804. 

Matthew Skelton, . " 1818. 

John Doane, Jr., ordained Deacon . . • January 10, 1833. 

Enoch Hunt, chosen Deacon .... October 13, 1836. 

Ebenezer Ford, . . " ...... November 8, 1830. 

Oliver Dickson, . " February 3, 1812. 

1 Record by Mr. Morton. 



195 

Note 20, page 35. 
MEETING-HOUSE AND SABBA'-DAY HOUSE. 

The town records say, under date of November 26, 1639, " Mr. 
William Rainsborough bought the old meeting-house and paid for it in 
full payment, to Mr. Nowell and Thomas Lind, one hundred pounds 
for the church's use, which monies went towards charge of building 
the new meeting-house." 

And in the margin is the following : " Mr. William Rainsborough 
pays for the old meeting-house that stands between the town and the 
neck, <£100 to Mr. Increase Nowell and Thomas Lind towards build- 
ing the new meeting-house, newly built in the town, on the south side 
of the Town Hill." 

It would seem from this, that the Great House was either abandoned 
and another built farther up, or else was moved from the place where 
it was built. But this is the only notice I have found of any meeting- 
house " between the town and the neck." 

In Winthrop's journal, under the date of June, 1636, is the follow- 
ing notice : " Mr. Winthrop, Jun., gave £5 towards the building of 
the meeting-house at Charlestown. I sent it by James Brown." This 
it would seem from the date, must have been given for the house 
" between the town and the neck." 

In this connection it will be interesting to introduce an order from 
the town records, which exhibits the care of our ancestors to provide 
for the comfort of those who come from a distance to attend worship. 
Small houses were built, called Sabba'-day houses, for such to assem- 
ble in as lived too far to return home at noon. Under date of May 9, 
1639, is the following record : " It was ordered that a watch-house 
should be built with a chimney in it of convenient largeness to give 
entertainment on the Lord's day to such as live remote from the meet- 
ing-house, and that there shall be a small room added or taken out of 
it for widow Morly to live in. The two constables and Robert Hale 
were appointed to order the building of the watch-house." 

This proceeding may reveal, perhaps, the cause of the erection of a 
meeting-house towards the neck, and the condition upon which it was 
rebuilt in the square. But, however this may be, it is interesting, as 
exhibiting a usage of those early days. 

It was customary in country towns, to erect several small houses for 
the purpose for which our watch-house was built. The following is 
an extract from the centennial address of the Rev. Grant Powers, 
of Goshen, Connecticut. 

" These houses generally consisted of two rooms ten or twelve feet 
square, with a chimney in the centre between them, and a fire-place 
in each room. They were generally built at the united expense of 
two or more families. Dry fuel was kept in each house, ready for 
kindling a fire. On the morning of the Sabbath, the owner of each 
room deposited in his saddle-bags the necessary refreshment for him- 
self and family, and a bottle of beer and cider, and took an early start 
for the sanctuary. He first called at his Sabbat -day house, built him a 
fire, deposited his luncheon, warmed himself and family ; and at the 



196 

hour of worship, they were all ready to sally forth, and to shiver in the 
cold, during the morning services at the house of worship. At noon 
they returned to their Sabba'-day house, with some invited friends per- 
haps, where a warm room received them ; the fire having heen in 
operation during the morning exercises. The saddle-bags were now 
brought forth, and their contents discharged upon a prophet's table, of 
which all partook a little, and each in turn drank at the bottle. This 
service being performed, and thanks returned, the patriarch of the 
family drew from his pocket the notes he had taken during the morn- 
ing service, and the sermon came under renewed and distinct consid- 
eration, all enjoying the utmost freedom in their remarks. Sometimes 
a well-chosen chapter or paragraph was read from an author, and the 
service was not unfrequently concluded by prayer ; then all returned to 
the sanctuary to seek a blessing there. If the cold was severe, the 
family might return to their house to warm them before they sought 
their habitation. The fire was then extinguished, the saddle-bags and 
the fragments were gathered up, the house locked, and all returned to 
their home." 



Note 21, page 41. 

THOMAS JAMES. 

Mr. Savage, the learned editor of Winthrop, thought it more 
probable that Mr. James did not return to England, but was the 
Thomas James who died in East Hampton, 1696. He is now, how- 
ever, satisfied that they were different persons. The testimony of 
Prince and Hubbard would seem decisive ; and that he had a son who 
was studying for the ministry, we learn from Johnson. Prince says, 
p. 413, " When I lived at Comb's in Suffolk, from 1711 to 16, Mr. 
Thomas Denny, a pious and ancient gentleman there, informed me 
that he knew the Rev. Mr. Thomas James, minister of Needhani, 
about four miles off, who he said came from New England." Hub- 
bard says, p. 191, that he continued in the work of the ministry till 
the year 1678, when he was about the eighty-sixth year of his age, and 
might be living at the time he wrote. Johnson bestows the following 
lines upon him : 

"Thy native soil. O James, did thee approve. 

God's people there in Lincolnshire commend ; 
Thy courteous speech, and work of Christian love, 

Till Christ through seas did thee on message send. 
With learned skill Bis mind for to unfold, 

His people in New England thou must feed; 
But one Bad breach did cut thai band should hold, 

'J'lirn part wilt thou lest farther j . i r > should breed, 
Yet pari thou will not with Christ's truth, thy crown. 

Mm my muse wails thai anj soldier Bbould 
In fighting slip; why, James, thou fattest not down! 
Back thou retreat'st— then valiant fighting; held 

Fast on thy Christ, who thine may raise with thee ; 

Mis hands increase when leaders be provides ; 
Thy son, young student, in.iy such blessing be, 

Thy loss repair, and Christ thee crown besides." 1 



Wonder Working Providence, ch. 26. 



197 

Note 22, page 46. 
THOMAS ALLEN. 

The following facts have been gleaned by Mr. Savage, in his late 
visit to England, respecting Mr. Allen. He was the son of John 
Allen, a dyer, of Norwich, of a competent estate, born and baptized 
16U8. He was chosen minister of St. Edmund's a second time., and 
continued so till August 24, 1662, about eleven years. He took his 
first degree, 1027, and his second, 1631. His first wife was Anne 
Sadler, of Patcham, in Sussex, by whom he had a son, Thomas. His 
second wife was the widow of Major Sedgwick, by whom he had no 
issue. 

Our church records show the baptism of Mary, daughter of Thomas 
and Anne Allen, 15th 12mo., 1639. And from the Boston records 
we learn that Mary, the daughter of Thomas and Anne Allen, was 
born 31. 11. 1639. And Sarah, their daughter, was born 8. 6. 1641, 
and was buried 21. 2 1642. Elizabeth, their daughter, was born 17. 
7., and died 29. 7. 1642. And Mercy, their daughter, was born 13. 
6. 1646, and died 17. 6. 1646. 



Note 23, page 47. 
THE CAMBRIDGE PLATFORM. 

At the session of the General Court, in May, 1646, a bill was pre- 
sented by some of the elders for a synod to be held in the end of sum- 
mer. The magistrates passed it, but the deputies objected, because 
the churches were required by the bill to send messengers, and they 
were not satisfied that Christ had given the civil authority any such 
power over the churches, and also because the design of the synod was 
to establish one uniform practice for all the churches, which was to be 
approved by the General Court ; and this seemed to give power either 
to the synod or the court to compel the churches to practice what 
should so be established. 

In answer to these objections, it was said and admitted by all, that 
the civil magistrate had power to require the churches to send messen- 
gers to advise in regard to those ecclesiastical matters, either of doc- 
trine or discipline, the purity and truth of which the magistrate was 
bound by God to maintain. And then it was held, the synod was to 
proceed not by way of power, but of counsel from the word of God ; 
and the court was at liberty to disannul or establish the agreement of 
the synod as they saw fit, which put no more authority into their hands 
than they already had by the word of God, as well as by their own laws 
and liberties. It was voted, therefore, that the civil authority had 
power to call a synod when they saw fit ; but from tender regard to the 
scruples of some, it was determined that the synod should be convened 
by way of motion only, and not of command to the churches. 



198 

As the time for the synod to meet, drew near, it was propounded to 
the churches, and the same or similar objections were raised as had 
been made by the deputies. Those who were principally concerned in 
raising these objections, were some persons in Boston who had recently 
come from England, where the largest liberty was claimed and allowed 
by the Independents, and the greater part of the House of Commons. 
Governor \\ inthrop has preserved a particular account of the debate 
held on this subject, in the Boston church. The question was agitated 
and no conclusion reached, two Lord's days ; and the elders sat down 
much grieved in spirit, but told the congregation they felt it their 
duty to attend the synod notwithstanding ; not as sent by the church, 
but as called by the court. 

The assembly met at Cambridge, 1st September. The next day, 
being the Boston Lecture, Mr. Norton of Ipswich, preached a sermon 
to a vast auditory, on Moses and Aaron kissing each other in the 
mount, in which he laid down the nature and power of synods as only 
consultative, decisive, and declarative, not coactive; and spoke with so 
much effect upon this subject, and upon the duty of churches to yield 
obedience to the civil magistrate, and the great scandal of refusing to 
do so, that on the next Lord's day, a majority of the church voted to 
send three messengers with their elders to the assembly. 

Owing to these circumstances, the synod, upon coming together, 
discussed the question as to the magistrates' power in matters of 
religion ; and after a session of fourteen days, delivered their judg- 
ment in the following proposition : " The civil magistrate, in matters 
of religion, or of the lirst table, hath power civilly to command or 
forbid things respecting the outward man, which are clearly com- 
manded or forbidden in the word, and to indict suitable punishments, 
according to the nature of the same." 

This proposition, with arguments and testimonies in confirmation of 
it, was printed at London, 1054, together with a discourse upon the 
doctrine, by Thomas Allen. It was bound up with a small treatise 
about the nature and power of synods. 

It being near winter, and few of the elders from other colonies 
being present, the synod adjourned to June 8, 1047. At the second 
session, no business was accomplished in consequence of an epidemic 
disease, which prevailed through the colonies, among Indians and 
English, French and Dutch, of which died, the very day before the 
synod assembled, the Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hartford, and just one 
week after, Margaret, the wife of Gov. Winthrop. 

The synod met again by adjournment, August 15. Mr. Allen, of 
Dedham, preached from Acts xv., a chapter containing the history of 
the council of Jerusalem. The Platform, framed by the synod at this 
time, was presented to the General Court, in the month of October, 
I (I is, and by them accepted and approved. 

From that time to this, the Platform, for substance, has been recog- 
nized as the standard of Congregational discipline. This Platform 
has been once solemnly re-affirmed. A synod convened by the General 
Court, at Boston, September 10, 1(»7!>, having read and considered it, 
unanimously approved of it, " for the substance of it," " desiring that 
the churches may continue steadfast in the order of the gospel, accord- 
ing to what is therein declared from the word of God." 



199 

It deserves especial notice, that the Platform was re-affirmed " for the 
substance of it," for in some particulars, there was an early, and at 
length, a universal departure from the Platform ; but these particulars 
were then, and are now, few in number, and by no means essential to 
it. Mather enumerates four of these departures or modifications. The 
first respected the power of the pastor to administer the sacraments to 
any but his own congregation. The Platform does not deny this 
power, but inasmuch as Cotton and others had, it was not fully 
asserted. [See chapter v. section 2.] This power, however, was very 
soon universally conceded ; and by a meeting of the neighboring min- 
isters, at Cambridge, it was declared to be their judgment that the 
Platform approved of it. 

2. The doctrine of the distinct office of ruling elders, was also 
early questioned. 

3. Lay ordination also was rarely practised, and as rarely approved. 
The right and validity of such ordinations, when necessary, has been 
always admitted ; but the propriety of them, in the presence of or- 
dained ministers, was from. the first questioned, and has been so gen- 
erally disapproved of, that their occurrence has been very rare. 

4. The practice of public examinations, for admission to the church, 
has been discontinued. 

And besides these, the doctrine of the power of the civil magistrate, 
in matters ecclesiastical, has been modified since the adoption of the 
constitution of 1780. 1 



Note 24, page 51. 

THOMAS ALLEN'S LETTER RESPECTING THE EARLY INDIAN 

MISSIONS. 

" Honored Sir : 

" It seems that some of late have been so impudently bold (which 
I cannot sufficiently wonder at) as to report and publiquely affirme, 
that there was no such thing as the preaching and dispensing of the 
Gospell amongst the Natives in New England. Verily Sir, I doe be- 
lieve that the Devill himselfe (who is the Father of Lyes) would not, 
yea, durst not have uttered such a notorious untruth as that was. 
Now, although I confesse I have not been present at the places where 
the Indians are wont to meete, to heare such as doe preach unto them, 
by reason of my bodily weakness, and indisposition to travell so farre 
into the Wildernesse, yet thus much I can testifie, (if my Testimony 
may be of any use), being lately come over from New England, that 
there are divers persons in severall places, who doe take paines, and 
labour in that Worke there; viz., not onely Mr. Eliot of Roxbury, 
who hath preached among them for many yeares, up and downe in the 
Jurisdiction of the Massachusets ; and Mr. Mahew, who for a good 

> Winthrop II. 264-269, 308-330. Magnalia II. 179-212. Hubb. ch. v. 8. 



200 

while hath taken paines among the Indians, at an Island called Mar- 
tin's Vineyard ; hut of late, also Mr. Leveridge, in the Jurisdiction of 
Plymouth, and Mr. Blynman, who lives now in a new Plantation, in 
the Pequott's Country. As for the successe of the preaching of the 
Gospell unto the Natives, I have heard Mr. Eliot affirme, that he is so 
well persuaded of the Worke of grace in some of them, as that he 
could comfortably joyne in Church fellowship with them. Mr. Mahew, 
also, (who came to see mee a little before my coming from thence,) 
told me that after Mr. Whitefield's coming thence, (for he had been 
upon that Island, as he came to the Bay, and was present also with Mr. 
Mahew amongst the Indians,) there were neer upon one hundred (I 
think ho said Ninety and odd) persons of them more who came in to 
heare him preach unto them, and some Pawaws also, and one of some 
eminency amongst them, who did acknowledge his evill in such doings, 
and made a Declaration of the manner how he came at first to be a 
Pawaw, the which also Mr. Mahew did relate unto mee. Sir, that 
there is such a work in hand in New England, as the preaching of the 
Gospel unto the Natives there, all the Magistrates and Ministers, and 
people in that place (who know anything) will be readie to attest ; and 
therefore, such as dare airirme the contrary, may as well say that the 
Sunne doth not shine at Noone day, when the skie is cleere, and doe 
indeed deserve a Publique Witnesse to be borne against them for such 
a Publique and so notorious an untruth ; the good Lord humble them 
deeply for it, if it be his good will, and pardon it to them through his 
grace in Christ. 

" Thus, Sir, not having furthur at this present to be troublesome 
unto you, desiring an interest in your earnest prayers for mee, beseech- 
ing the Lord to let his presence and blessing be with you, and upon 
your great and weighty businesses, I take leave, resting 
" Your humble Servant in the Lord, 

Thomas Allen." 

"Norwich, 8th II mo., 1651." 



Note 25, page 59. 
ORIGIN OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

I have thought it best to transcribe from the records, all that re- 
mains respecting the cases of Thomas Gould and Thomas Osborn. 
The following extracts follow, at intervals, the one to be found on 
pages 56 and 57, and together with that, present the whole history of 
the case, as left by the records ol' t he church. 

Nov. IS, I (i(i:}. Iko. Thomas ()<I>urn being leavened with princi- 
ples of Anabaptisme was (the brethren consenting) admonished for 
frequent irregular withdrawing himself from the publick worship of 
God, holding it to be no sin to neglect the publick ordinances of God 
upon the Lord's day, even when they might conveniently be enjoyed ; 
and for continuing impenitent in his sin. On the same day also, it 



201 

was consented to by the brethren, that his wife, leavened with princi- 
ples of Anabaptisme and Quakerism e, should receive an admonition, 
for her notorious neglect of the publique worship of God, denying our 
churches to be true churches, and denying her membership with us, 
and, also, the churches power over her, and continuing impenitent in 
her sin. She went home from the assembly, when the admonition 
should have been declared to her, but however it was declared that 
she was under the publiq offence of the church. And at the same 
time Bro. Thomas Gool also persisting in his schismatical withdraw- 
ing from the church, notwithstanding his former admonition, and now 
for denying his relation to this church, as a brother of it, and also for 
denying the churches power over him, was againe (with the consent 
of the brethren) declared to be under the great offence of the church, 
and rebuked for his impenitency in that sin of his. 

Feb. 21, 1664. Bro. Thomas Osburn received a second admonition 
(with the consent of the brethren) for his obstinacy in his former sin, 
for which he had been (Nov. 18) admonished, and aggravated by 
another degree of schisme, refusing (as he expressly and vehemently 
affirmed) to hold communion with the church any longer, as formerly 
he had done ; because we held baptisme of children to be an ordi- 
nance of God, &c. 

Feb. 28, 1064. Bro. Thomas Gool was again admonished (with 
the consent of the brethren) for his impenitency in his former sin of 
schisming for which he had been admonished, and withal] now refus- 
ing to give an account to the church who did enquire concerning a 
private meeting kept at his house on the Lord's day (Novemb. 8, 
1663) with Bro. Osburn and other Anabaptists, when he should, and 
might conveniently have been present with the church in the publiq 
worship of God ; he said it was not the season for him to answer, and 
therefore would not give an account of it ; for which things above 
said, he was accordingly censured. 

July 9, 1665. The church, hearing that Bro. Gool and Bro. Os- 
burn had together with other Anabaptists, embodied themselves in a 
pretended church way; sent Deacon Lynd and Deacon Stittson to 
them with this message ; viz : That they should be present with this 
church the next Lord's day in the public worship of God, and at the 
evening thereof to stay, and give an account to the church of that 
report which was heard concerning them, as also concerning their for- 
mer offences : and the church did then desire our Deacons to acquaint 
our Sister Osburn (that hath been for some time under the public 
offence of the church) with that meeting, and that she should be pres- 
ent likewise with her husband. 

July 16, 1665. Our Deacons having carried the message of the 
church to Bro. Gool, Bro. Osburn, and our Sister Osburn, to come and 
hear the church ; the answer returned back to the church was nega- 
tive. Bro. Gool said he should not come, and if our church had any 
thing to say against him, they should acquaint the society with it to 
which he was then joined : saying also that he was no member of 
our church ; and said, your church hath nothing to do with me. Bro. 
Osburn said that he had given his reasons to the church formerly why 
he could not hold communion with it, viz : because of Infant Baptism ; 
2. our allowing none but such as had human learning to be in the 
26 



202 

ministry ; 3. our severe dialing with those of a contrary judgment 
from us ; and therefore s;iid lie should not come to the church. Our 
Sister Osburn's was that she desired not to continue with the church, 
but would be dismissed which way they trould, and that she could not 
come to the church, she should sin against her conscience if she did. 

These members thus refusing to appear, the church judged it meet 
to wait with some further patience upon our brethren abovcsaid, and 
sister : and they did therefore desire our Deacons again, with our 
brother Ensign Tidd, to carry this message following to them, viz : 
to tell them that they are under the further offence of the church for 
their separating from our communion, and refusing to hear the church, 
and that the church doth desire, and require them in the name of 
Christ that they return to us, and come and hear the church and give 
an account the next Lord's day of their withdrawing. 

July '23, 1665. Our messengers having delivered the message 
abovesaid to Bro. Gool, Bro. Osburn, and Sister Osburn ; the answer 
returned by them was the same (in a manner) they gave the week 
before ; Bro. Gool denying his relation to the church in Charles- 
town, and that they had nothing to do with him, and also said that 
they were to have the Lord's Supper administered in their church 
the next Lord's day and therefore he should not come : Bro. Osburn 
said he should not come to the church and that the church might pro- 
ceed as they pleased with him : our Sister Osburn's answer was as 
formerly, refusing to come. Whereupon it was propounded to vote 
(after a proposal of it had been made by some of the brethren) That 
if there did come in nothing of repentance manifested by these persons 
to the church between this and the next Lord's day, whether then 
the church should proceed (seeing these matters had formerly been 
so fully and often debated) without further debating the matter the 
next Lord's day, and (if nothing of more than ordinary weight to 
hinder did fall out in the interim) that then these our brethren and she 
our sister should have the censure of excommunication passed against 
them? It was unanimously carried by a silentiary vote in the arhrma- 
tive, not one of the brethren present expressing a word against it. 

July -i\), 1665. Nothing of repentance intervening, Bro. Thomas 
Gool, Bro. Thomas Osburn, and his wife our Sister Osburn, were 
(with the consent of the brethren) excommunicated for their impeni- 
tency in their schismatical withdrawing from the church and neglect- 
ing to hear the church." 

A document lias been preserved by Backus, and incorporated into 
his history of the Baptists, purporting to be a narrative written by Mr. 
Gould himself, of his treatment by the church. This document, he 
Bays, he met with among Mr. Callcnder's papers, and had good reason 
to think it genuine. In order that both sides of the controversy may 
be presented, 1 have thought it best to give the substance of Mr. 
Gould's own account, abridging it, but preserving its spirit and style. 

He says, that having had scruples a long time in regard to infant 
baptism, he refrained from offering his child, born in 1655, for that 
ordinance, keeping silence, and waiting to see what the church would 
do. On a third day of the week, when there was a meeting at his 
house to keep a day of thanksgiving to God for the mercy shown to 
his wife, he received a note from the elders of the church, desiriug 



203 

him to come down to their house on the morrow, and let them know 
when he would come, and they would stay at home for him ; and if he 
could not come that day, to send them word. He was prevented from 
accepting this proposal by a previous engagement, and sent back word 
accordingly. On the fifth day, meeting with Elder Green, he told him 
how it was ; and the elder promised to see the pastor, and appoint 
another day and send him word. After a silence of two months, he 
was requested to stop on a first day in the afternoon, and meet the 
church. He was then called out, and " Master Sims" told the church 
that he withheld his child from baptism, and had refused to meet them 
or appoint a time for it, when they wrote to him to take his own time 
and send them word. This led to an angry altercation as to what the 
letter contained — Mr. Symmes charging Mr. Gould with falsehood — 
when Brother Thomas Wilder producing the letter, substantiated Mr. 
Gould's statement, and forced Mr. Symmes to confess that he was 
mistaken. After this, .Mr. Gould was questioned in regard to his 
reasons for withholding his child from baptism. The following week, 
at a meeting of the church, held at Mr. Russell's house, efforts con- 
tinued to be made to satisfy his conscience, when Mr. Symmes is rep- 
resented again as being very positive, and being obliged to confess 
himself in the wrong. 

At another meeting, during the discussion, W. D. stood up in the 
church and said twice, " put him in the court." Mr. Svmmes said, 
"pray, forbear such words;" but Mr. Gould said it proved so, for he 
was soon put into seven or eight courts, while he was still looked upon 
as a member of their church. The elder pressed the church to lay 
him under admonition, but they were backward to do it. After this, 
he went out at the sprinkling of children ; but because it was a great 
trouble to some honest hearts, he was prevailed upon to stay ; he sat 
down, however, during the administration, and then they dealt with 
him for irreverent conduct ; one accused him of stopping his ears, but 
he denied it. 

At another meeting, he was asked if he would suffer the church to 
fetch his child and baptize it? He replied, yes, if it might be made 
known that he had no hand in it ; then some of the church were 
against doing so. A brother stood up and said, Brother Gould, you 
were once for infant baptism, why are you fallen from it 1 He replied, 
why were you once for crossing in baptism ? This greatly offended 
Mr. Symmes, who desired the church to take notice that he compared 
the ordinance of Christ to the cross in baptism ; and this was made 
one of the offences for which he was dealt with. After this, the Dep- 
uty Governor, meeting him in Boston, desired him to let the church 
baptize his child, to which he consented, if they did it on their own 
account. He then called to Mrs. Norton, of Charlestown, and prayed 
her to fetch Goodman Gould's child and baptize it. She, through 
misapprehension, however, gave the impression that he would bring 
his child out. This led to another interview with the church, when 
one of the brethren said if he would not bring his child to one ordi- 
nance, it was meet he should not partake of the other. So many of 
the church concluded to lay him under admonition ; but before they 
did it, Mr. Symmes told him it was more according to rule, for him to 
withdraw from the ordinance, than for them to put him by — quoting 



204 

Matt. v. 23, 24. But he replied that he did not know that his brother 
had anything justly against him, and therefore he durst not withdraw 
from that ordinance that he had found so much of God in. After this, 
they proceeded to admonition. Elder Green said, " Brother Gould, 
you are to take notice that you are admonished for three things; the 
first is, that you refused to bring your child to be baptized ; the second 
is, for your contentious words and unreverent carriage in the time of 
that ordinance; the third is, for a late lie you told; and therefore, you 
are to take notice, that you are not to partake any more of the ordi- 
nance of Christ with us till you give satisfaction for these things." 
Mr. Gould says he does not know what this "lie" referred to, unless 
to the letter mentioned above. This admonition took place seven or 
eight years before he was cast out. After this, he went to Cambridge 
meeting, which was as near to his house as the other ; upon that, he 
was put into court, because he did not come to hear; but it appearing 
that he went constantly to Cambridge, he was cleared. After this, he 
was dealt with for schism, or rending from the church. But he told 
them he did not rend from them, for they put him away. " Master 
Symmes was very earnest for another admonition, which most of the 
church were against; but it seems he set it down for an admonition 
on a bit of paper." 

Things remained in this condition for a long time. In the mean- 
time some Baptist friends having come from England, they began to 
hold meetings at Mr. Gould's house, on the Lord's day. Eor this he 
was again summoned before the church. His answer was, " I know 
not what reason the church had to call me forth." Being asked if he 
was not a member of the church, he replied, " they had not acted to- 
ward me as a member — they had denied me the privileges of a mem- 
ber, who had put me by the ordinances seven years ago. They asked 
whether 1 looked upon admonition as an appointment of Christ .' I 
told them yes, but not to lie under it above seven years, and to be put 
by the ordinances of Christ in the church; for the rule of Christ is, 
first to deal with men in the first and in the second place, and then in 
the third place before the church; but the first time that ever they 
dealt with me, they called me before the whole church. Many meet- 
ings were held about this thing, whether I was a member or not ; but 
they could come to no conclusion, for I still affirmed that their actings 
rendered me no member. Then Mr. Symmes told the church I was 
ripe for excommunication, and was very earnest for it, but the church 
would not consent." lie then desired a council, but Mr. Symmes 
answered, " we are a church of Christ ourselves, and you shall know 
that we have power to deal with you ourselves." Mr. Russell said, 
" we have not gone the right way to gain this our brother, for we have 
dealt too harshly with him " Still .Mr. Symmes pressed the church to 
excommunicate him. Mr. Russell said, "There were greater errors 
in the church in the apostles' time, and yet they did not so deal with 
them." Mr Symmes asked him what they were! He replied, " How 
say some of you that there is no resurrection of the dead?" Mr. 
Symmes was troubled, and said, " 1 wonder you will bring this place of 
Scripture to encourage him in his error ! " Mr. Symmes was earnest 
for another admonition ; then Stood up Solomon Phips, and said, " You 
may clap one admonition on him upon another, but to what end, for he 



205 

was admonished about seven years afro." Mr. Symmcs said, " Brother! 
do you make such a light matter of admonition, to say • clap one upon 
another!' doth not the apostle aay, ' after the first and second admoni- 
tion reject an heretic?' therefore, there might be a second admoni- 
tion." It was answered, it was a hard matter to prove a man an her- 
etic, for every error doth not make a man a heretic. Mr. Syrnmea 
said, "It was not seven years, nor above three since I was admonished, 
and that was for schism." A brother replied, "It was seven years 
since I was admonished." A difference arising for what he was ad- 
monished, " Mr. Symmes pulled a hit of paper out of his pocket and 
said, ' This is that he was admonished for, and that was but three 
years since.' Brother Phips asked him when that paper was writ, for 
he never heard of that admonition before. He answered, he set it 
down for his own memory ; then he read it, that it was for schism, and 
rending from the church. I told him I did not rend from the church, 
but the church put me away from them four years before this. Then 
there was much agitation when the admonition was given, and what it 
was for. And this was all the church records that could be found which 
was about seven years after the admonition was given; so after many 
words, we broke up, which was the last time we met together. Now 
let any man judge of the church records that were drawn up against 
me, and read at the dispute in Boston, which contained three or four 
sheets of paper — read by Mr. Shepard, and drawn up by him, a little 
while before the dispute, who was not an eye nor ear witness to the 
church's actings not above half the time." 

After this Mr. Gould and his associates embodied themselves into a 
church. The church hearing of this, sent three messengers to him, 
telling him the church required him to come before them the next 
Lord's day. He replied, the church had nothing to do with him, for 
they had put him from them eight years before. He said he was 
joined to another church and that church was not willing he should 
come, and he would not come without their consent. The next week 
the same number of messengers came to him, requiring his attendance 
the next Lord's day. He again declined. They told him that if he 
did not come, the church would proceed against him the next Lord's 
day. He told told them he could not come, for they were to break 
bread the next Lord's day. " The last day of that week, three loving 
friends coming to me of their own account, one of them said, Brother 
Gould, though you look upon it as unjust for them to cast you out, 
yet there be many that are godly among them that will act with them 
through ignorance, which will be a few of them, and you are per- 
suaded I believe that it is your duty to prevent any one from any 
sinful act, for they will cast you out for not hearing the church ; now 
your coming will stop them from acting against you, and so keep many 
from that sin. Upon these words I was clearly convinced that it was 
my duty to go, and replied, although I could not come the next day, 
yet I promised to attend the following Lord's day. He replied, what 
if the church I am joined to was not willing? I told him I did not 
question that any one would be against it upon this ground. After I 
had propounded it to the church, not one was against it. I entreated 
these friends to make it known to the elders that I would come to 
them the next Lord's day after ; yet, though they knew of it, they 



206 

proceeded against me that day, and delivered me up to Satan for not 
hearing the church." 

Such is Mr. Gould's own account of this unhappy controversy. A 
part of it, it will be seen, respects proceedings of which we have no 
account on the part of the church, and if, therefore, it should receive 
all the consideration which similar ex parte representations are com- 
monly held entitled to, it would not be sufficient to prejudice a candid 
mind against Mr. Symmes and the church, in the particulars in which 
it bears so hard against them. We do not mean to say that nothing 
was said or done by the church and pastor, in the excitement and 
heat of the controversy, of which Mr. Gould might not justly com- 
plain ; we would on the contrary give to his narrative all the confi- 
dence which is due to narratives of the kind ; but, when we remember 
how much is to be allowed for the coloring which the interested party 
cannot fail to impart to such a narrative, how long a period of time it 
covers, how much which respected the action of the church he was 
necessarily ignorant of and could learn oidy from others, and how 
long after the transactions he mentions his narrative was in all proba- 
bility written, we shall not be disposed to regard the entire narrative 
as a veritable history, and condemn a pastor and people unheard in 
self-defence, on the testimony of a single witness, and he, an interested 
party, though we doubt not of honest intentions. 

Between Mr. Gould's narrative and the church records some contra- 
dictions will be observed. He denies the correctness of Mr. Symmes' 
account, and implies that it was written long after the transactions 
mentioned. Mr. Symmes, however, concludes his record of the meet- 
ing of June 6, 1658, thus : " This transaction was speedily, after the 
acting thereof, truly recorded by the then only elder of this church, 
Zech: Symmes.'" He also says, that the church records read in the 
dispute in Boston, were drawn up at that time by Mr. Shepard, and 
that he was not an eye or ear witness to the church's actings above 
half the time. These records no doubt are the same which still exist, 
and they have every appearance of having been written at the time 
the dates specify, being interspersed with other votes and transactions 
recorded in like manner under their respective dates. And to all the 
transactions which he recorded, Mr. Shepard was undoubtedly a wit- 
ness. Mr. Gould was excommunicated July 30, 1605, and Mr. Shep- 
ard was settled April 13, 1059, more than six years before and less 
than a year after the commencement of this case of discipline, as 
recorded by Mr. Symmes June 0, 1058. 

I have no disposition to rake over the ashes of this ancient contro- 
versy, or unnecessarily to say one word in disparagement of Mr. 
Gould. But when his narrative is adopted as unmingled truth, as it 
has been by Backus and Benedict, who have incorporated it into their 
respective histories, notwithstanding its contrariety to the official 
records of the church, ami apparently without an effort to sift the evi- 
dence on both sides, it is sufficiently obvious that great injustice is 
done to the memory of our fathers. Whoever will take the pains to 
look into Willard's Reply to Russell's Narrative, will find that the 
Statements made by Mr. Gould and reiterated l>\ writers of that denom- 
ination since, were from the lir.-t contradicted. Increase Mather, in 
the preliminary address to the Reader, says he verily believes that the 



207 

Anabaptists, by their fallacious narrative, have offended God, inasmuch 
as the things they have misrepresented were not done afar off, but at 
home, where right information was easy to be had ; if they had been 
willing to have known and that others should know the truth. " As 
for those," he says, "of the AntipedobaptisticaJ persuasion, who differ 
from us only in that particular, I would speak to them as unto breth- 
ren, whom (their error — for so I believe it is — notwithstanding) I love, 
and would bear with, and exercise the same indulgence and compas- 
sion towards them, as I would have others do to me, who feel myself 
compassed with infirmities. I have been a poor laborer in the Lord's 
vineyard, in this place, upwards of twenty years ; and it is more than 
I know, if, in all that time, any of those that scruple infant baptism, 
have met with molestation from the magistrate merely on account of 
their opinion." " I truly profess," he says, " that if any men, either 
of the Presbyterian or Congregational (or never so much of my) per- 
suasion, in matters referring to church discipline, should behave 
themselves as the Anabaptists in Boston, in New England, have done, 
I think they would have deserved far greater punishment than any 
thing that to this day hath been inflicted upon them." 

And in regard to the particular cases of Gould and Osborn, Mr. 
Willard, at that time pastor of the Old South Church, says, in reply- 
ing to Russell's Narrative, that " the narrative and truth are strangers, 
whereof there is sufficient testimony to be found in the records of the 
church at Charlestown, (whereof they were members ;) and there are 
many faithful witnesses yet alive — who were present at these transac- 
tions, and can say if these things be not so — which ought to outweigh 
the story of a prejudiced person, who hath all by hearsay, whose very 
business is to palliate and lick over matters to shape them to his own 
turn." And then he proceeds to mention the particulars in which the 
Narrative had mis-stated the reasons for Mr. Gould's discipline and 
excommunication. He asserts that he was admonished, not for with- 
holding his child from baptism, or because he could not be convinced 
of error, but for speaking contemptuously of the ordinance, and unbe- 
coming conduct in the time of administration, by which, he acknowl- 
edged before the congregation he designed to cast disrespect upon it. 
" Now let the Anabaptists themselves judge, whether there be not a 
vast difference, between doubting about an ordinance, and professedly 
vilifying of it by unhandsome words and carriages ; and whether they 
will bear with any member of theirs, that will so contemn any of 
those things which are to them sacred, and acknowledged as Christ's 
institutions." 

But I do not intend to go into the merits of this controversy. My 
only design has been to do justice to the church and its pastors, in 
opposition to those partizan representations, which by adopting with- 
out examination the statement of one of the parties, throws all the 
blame upon the other. 1 

• Backus's Hist, of the Baptists, chap. 6. Willard's Ne Sutor ultra Crepidam. 



208 

Note 26, ' page 62. 
OLD SOUTH CHURCH. 

The Old South Church was not only organized in Charlestown, 
but received its most important member from this church — the Rev. 
Thomas Thatcher, who was elected and ordained their first pastor. 
He was admitted to this church, October 21, 1669, by a letter of dis- 
mission from the First Church in Boston, given October 9. The 
original letter of this church, dismissing and recommending Mr. 
Thatcher to the Old South Church, is preserved among the papers of 
that church. 



Note 27, page 66. 
FRANCIS WILLOUGHBY. 

Immediately after the name of Mr. Symmes, in the register of 
deaths, is that of Mr. Francis Willoughby, who died April 4, 1671. 
His character and services demand a passing notice. He was Deputv 
Governor of the colony from 1665 to 1671. He left an estate of 
,£4,050. His wife afterwards married Capt. Lawrence Hammond, 
who was likewise a distinguished citizen and leading member of the 
church. 

There is a curious old manuscript volume, belonging to the Anti- 
quarian Society at Worcester, containing a journal written in a very 
difficult cypher, which appears from certain internal evidences, to 
have been written by Gov. Willoughby. I found a large loose sheet, 
folded between the pages of the journal, in the hand-writing of Thomas 
Shepard the 2d, and seeming to be a key, in part, to the cypher. But 
notwithstanding the aid thus afforded, and the assistance of skilful 
friends, I have been unable to decypher it, or even judge of the com- 
parative value of its contents. It is entitled " A continuation of my 
daily observation," and comprises a period of time from 1. 9mo. 1650, 
to 28. lOmo. 1651. It was certainly written in Charlestown, for on 
the first page is a brief account, not written in cypher, of a fire, which 
consumed eleven or twelve houses, 21. 9mo. 1650. In an ancient 
interleaved almanac, in the possession of Rev. Mr. Sewall of Burling- 
ton, is a notice of this fire, under the same date, as happening in 
Charlestown, proving conclusively that the journal was written in 
Charlestown. And no doubt this is the calamity to which Johnson 
alludes in his " Wonder Working Providence," and which he describes 
as a " terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town, in the depth of 
Winter, 1650, by a violent wind blown from one house to another, to 
the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town." * 

1 Misruled 28. J 2 Hist. Coll. viii. 1 1. 



209 

Note 28, page 72. 

MR. SYMMES. 

From the "Gleanings" by Mr. Savage, in his late visit to England, 
we derive the following record of the baptism of children born to Mr. 
Symmes, while he was rector of Dunstable, which was from September, 
1625 to 1633. 

William, baptized January 10, 1G26. 

Marie, . . « April 16, 1628. 

Elizabeth, . " January 1, 1629. 

Huldah, . " March 18, 1630. 

Hannah, . « August 22, 1632. 

Rebekah, . " February 12, 1633. 

The following baptisms are recorded upon our church books : 

Ruth, . baptized October 25, 1635. 

Zachary, . " January 12, 1638. 

Timothy, . " May 12, 1640. 

Deborah, . " September 6, 1642. 

This is exactly the number of the children of Mr. Symmes, when 
Johnson wrote the following eulogy on his wife. 

" Among all the godly women that came through the perilous seas 
to war their warfare, the wife of this zealous teacher, Mrs. Sarah 
Symmes, shall not be omitted, nor any other, but to avoid tediousness; 
the virtuous woman, endued by Christ, with graces fit for a wilderness 
condition — her courage exceeding her stature — with much cheerful- 
ness did undergo all the difficulties of these times of straits, her God 
through faith in Christ, supplying all wants with great industry, nur- 
turing up her young children in the fear of the Lord — their number 
being ten, both sons and daughters, a certain sign of the Lord's intent 
to people this vast wilderness. God grant that they may be valiant in 
faith against sin, Satan, and all the enemies of Christ's kingdom, follow- 
ing the example of their father and grandfather, who have both suffered 
for the same, in remembrance of whom these following lines are placed : 

" Come, Zachary, thou must re-edify 

Christ's churches in this desert land of his, 
With Moses' zeal, stamp'd unto dust, defy 

All crooked ways that Christ's true worship miss. 
With Spirit's sword, and armor girt about, 

Thou layest on load proud Prelate's crown to crack. 
And wilt not suffer wolves thy flock to rout, 

Tho' close they creep, with sheep skins on their back. 
Thv father's spirit doubled is upon 

Thee, Symmes — then war, thy father fighting died} 
In prayer, then, prove thou like champion, 

Hold out till death, and Christ will crown provide." 

Mather says that his epitaph " mentions his having lived forty-nine 
years seven months with his virtuous consort, by whom he had thirteen 
children, five sons and eight daughters." 

He also preserves the following " passage, written by Mr. William 
Symmes, the father of our Zechariah, in a book which was made by a 
27 



210 

godly preacher, that was hid in the house of 'Mr. William Symmes, the 
father of William, from the rage of the Marian persecution." 

'" I note it as a special mercy of God,' (he writes in a leaf of that 
book,) ' that both my father and mother were favorers of the gospel, 
and hated idolatry under Queen Mary's persecution. I came to this 
book by this means: going to Sandwich in Kent, to preach, the first 
or second year after I was ordained a minister, Anno 1587 or 88, and 
preaching in St. Mary's, where Mr. Pawson, an ancient godly preacher, 
was minister, who knew my parents well, and me too, at school; he, 
after I had finished my sermons, came and brought me this book for a 
present, acquainting me with the above-mentioned circumstances;' and 
then he adds, ' I charge my sons Zechariah and William, before Him 
that shall judge the quick and the dead, that you never defile your- 
selves with any idolatry or superstition whatsoever, but learn your 
religion out of God's holy word, and worship God, as he himself hath 
prescribed, and not after the devices and traditions of men. Scripsi, 
December 0, 1602.'" 

Of the children of Mr. Symmes, Mary was married to Capt. Thomas 
Savage, 15th 7mo. 105*2. Elizabeth married Hezekiah Usher, and 
another daughter married Samuel Hough. 

Zechariah graduated at Harvard College, 1057, and married Susan- 
na Graves, of this town, November 18, 1009, and the birth and bap- 
tism of their daughter Katharine, is recorded March 29, and April 2, 
1070. He was ordained December 27, 1082, the first minister of 
Bradford, where he had previously preached fourteen years. He died 
there 1708, aged seventy-one. 

His son, Rev. Thomas Symmes, was born February 1, 1078, gradu- 
ated at Harvard College, 1098, and was ordained in 1702, the first 
minister of Boxford. But being dismissed in 1708, he was installed 
the same year in Bradford, successor to his father, and died October 
0, 1725, aged forty-eight. From an interesting and valuable memoir 
of him, by Rev. John Brown, of Haverhill, published in 1720, we 
learn that he was distinguished for his eloquence as a preacher, his 
piety as a Christian, and faithfulness as a pastor. He received his 
preparatory education in the grammar-school, at Charlestown, under 
the instruction of the famous master Emerson, who was afterwards 
school-master at Salem, where he died. He was sustained at college 
by the help of benefactors, and distinguished himself by his scholar- 
ship and real piety. He was married three times. His first wife was 
Elizabeth Blowers, of Cambridge ; bis second, Hannah, daughter of 
Rev. John Pike, of Dover ; and his third, Mrs. Eleanor, widow of 
Eliezer Moody, of Dedham, and daughter of Dr. Benjamin Thomp- 
son, of Braintree, who survived him. He left eight children, the 
eldest of whom, Thomas, resided in Charlestown, and became a dea- 
con in the church, I have been quite desirous to make some extracts 
from his memoir, especially from the farewell advice he composed and 
left 1'or his children, and in which he alludes very feelingly to the bap- 
tismal covenant, in w Inch he hud given them to God. But I must refer 

to the "plain memorative account " of him, annexed to the sermon 
preai lied on occasion of his death.' 

1 See alvo Gagt'"s Hist, of Rowley. 



211 

Note 29, page 72. 

DANIEL RUSSELL. 

An elegy, composed on the death of this gentleman, is now in pos- 
session of the Rev. Charles Lowell, D. D., of Boston. Some further 
notices respecting him, and the distinguished family to which he 
belonged, will be given in note 57. 



Note 30, page 72. 

SEATING THE MEETING-HOUSE. 

" February 1, 1G75. Agreed with John Fosdick and Nathaniel 
Frothingham, to provide all timber, and build three galleries, one in 
the front, and one on each side in the meeting-house, and to make two 
seats, one before the other, in the galleries, and to make a pair of stairs 
to each gallery, and to alter the lower stairs going up to the men's gal- 
leries, so as may be most convenient for an outlet ; the side galleries to 
run from the front gallery home to the opposite wall ; the town to find 
boards and nails, and to pay for the said work, when completely finished, 
«£4(> in town pay ; and if it shall appear a hard bargain, twenty shillings 
more. Attest, L. Hammond, Recorder." 

The business of assigning seats to the people, belonged formerly to 
the selectmen of the town. Frequent orders may be met with on the 
town books for seating individuals. The men and women appear to 
have sat on different sides of the house. The boys had one of the 
galleries assigned to them, and constituted a part of the congregation 
which the fathers of the town found it difficult to manage. The fol- 
lowing extract exhibits one of the expedients they devised. 

"At a meeting of the selectmen, March 23, 1674. The persons 
hereinafter mentioned, are appointed to look after the boys, and keep 
them in order in the meeting-house, upon the Sabbath and lecture days, 
for the year ensuing, twenty-four persons being ordered to sit two for 
each month ; viz., 

Month 1. John Larkin, Month 7. William Everton, 

Thomas Larkin ; Thomas Hett; 

" 2. Gyles Fyfield, " 8. John Bennet, 

Luke Perkins; John Goodwin ; 

" 3. Thomas Adams, " 9. Nathaniel Kettle, 

Richard Adams; Henry Balcom ; 

" 4. John Knight, Jr., " 10. Richard Tayler, 

Thomas *Brigden ; Robert Barret ; 

" 5. John Cutler, Jr., « 11. Joseph Frost, 

John Dowse ; John Siinson ; 

" G. Samuel Dowse, " 12. Jonathan Simson, 

Tymothy Cutler ; Nathaniel Hutchinson. 



212 

" To the respective persons above written: 

"Gentlemen- — The sense of the necessity of the inspection and 
government of youth, at times of public worshipping of God in our 
mi (ting-house, and rinding that the way taken to that end the last 
year, through the care and diligence of the persons attending that 
work, did very much reach our end propounded, we are encouraged to 
proceed the same way this year also, and accordingly request you 
respectively to take your turns in attending the said work, according 
to the method hereafter propounded, in which we do desire you to do 
your utmost, that all children and youth that are under age, may be as 
much within your inspection as the convenience of seats will admit 
of; not permitting them to scatter up and down in obscure places, 
where they may be from under a due observance, wherein, if need be, 
you shall have the assistance of the constable. Your faithful attend- 
ance hereunto will doubtless be a service acceptable to God and your 
brethren, remembering that to be a door-keeper in the house of God, 
was of high esteem with holy David. We further desire your care to 
prevent the disorderly running out of youth in time of public worship. 
" By order of selectmen, 

" Lawr. Hammond, Recorder." 

This practice was continued until 1682, when Luke Perkins was 
appointed to attend to this business, for which he was to receive X3 
per annum. The experience, however, of both ancient and modern 
times, has shown that children ought not to be separated from their 
parents, but that families ought to sit together in the house of God. 



Note 31, page 73. 

TOLERATION. 

It has been very common to reproach our fathers as having exhibited 
the spirit of intolerance and persecution in the worst forms. They 
have been represented as narrow-minded bigots in their attachment to 
their own sentiments, and tierce persecutors in their indiscriminate 
hatred to all who differed in any measure from them. No candid per- 
son, acquainted with the character of the Puritans and w it h the times in 
which they lived, will hesitate to pronounce this representation false 
and slanderous. They were the pioneer reformers of the age in which 
they lived ; and it" they failed to carry out their principles consistently, 
they only fell, in these respi Cts, into the opinions that reigned univer- 
sally around them. Those who came alter them, and took their prin- 
ciples for granted, were able, in the light of their experience, to see 
clearly the results to which those principles led. The fathers of New 
England effected a wider separation between the church and the state 

than had ever existed before — erected a wider platform of religious 
freedom than the laws of any other people allowed; and if they did 
not go to the full extent of what we now regard as ju>t and expe- 
dient, we convict ourselves of bigotry, if we severely censure them. 



213 

When we consider the state of Christendom at that time, and reflect at 
what cost they had planted themselves here to establish their own prin- 
ciples of church order, and how dangerous opposition and dissent 
were to their institutions in their feeble beginnings, we may well won- 
der that they practiced as much toleration as they did. The Rev. Mr. 
Albro, in his eloquent and ingenious " Discourse on the Fathers of 
New England," delivered December 22d, 1844, maintains that no 
instance of persecution, properly so called, can be justly imputed to 
them. Whether we are prepared to admit this or not, we shall be 
persuaded, upon investigation, that justice has not been done to either 
the principles or the conduct of our fathers in respect of toleration. 
We do not believe that they are justly chargeable with a persecuting, 
intolerant spirit ; and we do not claim for them on the other hand, the 
merit of having discovered and carried out consistently, the principle 
of religious toleration. No one body of men are entitled to this 
praise ; but we believe that among those who have contributed to this 
great result, no class of men bore a more honorable and efficient part 
than our fathers. 

The following extracts from several election sermons, will exhibit 
the light in which this doctrine was held by the fathers. The first is 
from Mr. Shepard's sermon, from which I have made extracts in the 
Lecture ; the second is from Rev. John Higginson's election sermon 
of 1663 ; and the last from Rev. W. Stoughton's, of 1668. 

" Let the magistrate's coercive power in matters of religion be still 
asserted, seeing he is one who is bound to God, more than any other 
men, to cherish his true religion ; and as the good kings of Judah, 
commended for it in Scripture, Asa, Jehosaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, 
&,c, therefore are they to be principal instruments in furthering the 
reformation aforesaid ; and I would leave it with any godly, sober 
Christian to consider and answer, whether the interest of religion hath 
not as good a title and plea for the magistrate's protection, as [not any 
irreligion which self-conceit and humor hath wedded any unto, but] any 
worldly interest whatsoever ? and how woful would the state of things 
soon be among us, if men might have liberty without control, to pro- 
fess, or preach, or print, or publish what they list, tending to the 
seduction of others ! and though the enemy soweth tares, which cannot 
be many times plucked up without danger to the wheat, and are there- 
fore let alone, yet would I hope none of the Lord's husbandmen will 
be so foolish as to sow tores, or plead for the sowing of them ; I mean 
in the way of the toleration aforesaid, when as it may be prevented, 
the light of nature and right reason would cry out against such a 
thing." ' 

" The cause of God and his people among us is not a toleration of 
all religions, or of the heresies and idolatries of the age we live in. I 
say, not a toleration of these so far as we have liberty and power for to 
help it. How inconsistent would such a toleration be with the love of 
the one true religion revealed in the word of God ? would not such a 
state be guilty of having other gods, where such a toleration is 1 is not 

1 Shepard's Election Sermon, p. 38. 



214 

the end of civil authority, that men may live a quiet and peaceable life, 
in godliness as welt as honesty ? but not in the ways of ungodliness, no 
more than in the ways of dishonesty ; in a word, the gospel of Jesus 
Christ hath a right paramount, all rights in the world; it hath a divine 
and supreme right to be received in every nation, and the knee of ma- 
gistracy is to bow at the name of Jesus. This right carries liberty 
along with it, for all such as profess the gospel, to walk according to 
the faith and order of the gospel. That which is contrary to the 
gospel, hath no right, and therefore should have no liberty. But the 
laws which have been made for the civil government here, with respect 
unto religion, whereby you have declared your professed subjection to 
the gospel, and your non-toleration of that which is contrary thereunto ; 
this will be a name and a glory to New England 50 long as the sun and 
moon endure." l 

" Circumstantial differences ought not to breed substantial divisions ; 
that would be a monstrous and gigantine birth. It is a wrong done to 
the Christian name, so much as to question, whether that diversity of 
apprehension in lesser and dubious matters amongst the Lord's people, 
ought to be borne withall, which can and doth suffer a regulation, in 
order to the unity and peace of the whole. But yet, the true Chris- 
tian, gospel librrty, was never unto this day a womb big with licen- 
tiousness. And here there is one position, that methinks can never be 
denied by any that have but the common principles of reason entire ; 
viz., ' That no persuasion or practice can ever, in the conscience of 
the contrary-minded, have a good right to public liberty and counte- 
nance, which, being thoroughly attended to, doth indeed tend to the 
undermining, and so in the issue, to the overthrow of the state of these 
churches, in that wherein it is of God, and hath been largely and 
plentifully owned by him. And of this case, and the application 
thereof, those who are in authority may, and ought to judge. And 
further, who can therefore think it much, if such opinions (as are not 
only in themselves, but even in the minds of those who hold them, un- 
churching to so many precious societies of Christ, I mean as to their 
visible church state) be very harsh and unpleasant, and the uncontrolled 
scope of them much more distasteful 1 Certainly, a weaker body can- 
not, ought not to do that, or suffer that upon itself, or in itself, upon 
the account of charity to another, which a stronger body may, and in 
some cases may be bound to do or suffer." 2 



1 Rev. John Iligginson's Election Sermon, May 27, 1GG3. 
* Rev. VV. Stoughtou's Election Sermon, April 2L), 1GG8. 



215 

Note 32, page 76. 

EPITAPH OF THOMAS SHEPARD. 

The following Latin epitaph, Mather says, was engraved on Shep- 
ard's tomb-stone: 

D. O. M. S. 

Repositae sunt hie Reliquiae Thomas Shepardi, 

Viri Sanctissimi, 

Eruditione, virtute, omnigena, moribusq. suavissimis ornatissimi; 

1'heologi Consullissimi, 

Concionatoris Eximii : 

Qui Filius fuit Thomae Sliepardi Clarissimus, 

Memoratissimi Pastoris olim Ecclesiae Cantabrigiensis ; 

Et Ecclesia Caroliensi Presbyter docens ; 

Fide ac vila verus Episcopus : 

Opliine de Ke literaria Meritus: 

Qua Curator Collegii Harvardini vigilantissimus ; 

Qua Municipii Academici Soeius Primarius. 

Ta rov Iijciov Xiiiaruv, ov Ta tavrov Zi\xmv. 

In D. Jesu placide obdormivit, Anno 1677, Dec. 22. 

^Etatis suae 43. 

Totius Nov-angliae Lachrymis Defletus ; 

Usq ; et Usq ; Deflendus. 



Note 33, page 78. 
OAKES'S ELEGY. 

As a further testimonial of Mr. Shepard's worth of character, and 
Mr. Oakes's affection for his friend, I have transcribed a considerable 
part of the elegy written by Mr. Oakes, on occasion of his friend's 
death. " The elegy," says Dr. Holmes, 1 " rises, in my judgment, far 
above the poetry of his day. It is of Pindaric measure, and is plain- 
tive, pathetic, and full of imagery." 

" An elegy upon that reverend, learned, eminently pious, and singu- 
larly accomplished divine, my ever honored brother, Mr. Thomas 
Shepard, the late faithful and worthy teacher of the church of Christ, 
at Charlestown, in New England, who finished his course on earth, 
and went to receive his crown, December 22, 1677, in the forty-third 
year of his age. — In fifty-two stanzas. 



Oh ! that I were a poet now in grain ! 
How would I invoeate the muses all 
To deign their presence, lend their flowing vein, 
And help to grace dear Shepard's funeral ! 

How would I paint our griefs, and succors borrow 
From art and fancy, to limn out our sorrow ! 



» 1 Hist Coll. vii. 53. 



216 



Art, Nature, Grace, in him were all combined 

To show the world a matchless Paragon, 
In whom of radiant virtues no less shined, 
Than a whole constellation ; but he 's gone ! 
He 's gone, alas! down in the dust must lie 
As much of this rare person as could die. 



If to have solid judgment, pregnant parts, 

A piercing wit, and comprehensive brain — 
If to have gone the round of all the arts, 
Immunity from Death's arrest would gain, 

Shepard would have been death-proof and secure 
From that all-conquering hand, I'm very sure. 



If holy life, and deeds of charity — 

If grace illustrious, and virtue tried — 
If modest carriage, rare humility, 

Could have bribed death, good Shepard had not died. 
Oh ! but inexorable Death attacks 
The best men, and promiscuous havoc makes. 



To be descended well, doth that commend ? 

Can sons their father's glory call their own? 
Our Shepard justly might to this pretend, 
(His blessed Father was of high renown, 

Both Englands speak him great, admire his name,) 
But his own personal worth 's a better claim. 



Great was his Father, once a glorious light 

Among us, famous to a high degree — 
Great was this son : indeed, (to do him right,) 
As great and good (to say no more) as He. 
A double portion of bis Father's spirit 
Did this (his eldest) son, through grace inherit. 



His look commanded reverence and awe, 
Though mild and amiable, not austere: 
Well humored was he as I ever saw, 

And ruled by love and wisdom, more than fear. 
The Muses and the Graces too, conspired 
To set forth this rare piece, to be admired. 

XXIX. 

He governed well the tongue, (that busy thing, 

Unruly, lawless, and pragmatical,) 
Gravely reserved, in speech not lavishing, 
Neither too sparing, nor too liberal. 

His words were few, well seasoned, wisely weighed, 
And in his tongue the law of kindness swayed. 



Learned he was beyond the common size, 
Befriended much by Nature in his Wit, 
And Temper, (sweet, sedate, ingenious, wise,) 

And (which crowned all) lie was Heaven's Favorite, 

On whom the God of all grace did c inand. 

And shower down blessings with a liberal hand. 



217 



Wise he, not wily was; grave, not morose; 

Not stiff, but steady; serious, but not sour; 
Concerned for all, as if he had no foes; 

(Strange if he had !) and would not waste an hour. 
Thoughtful and active for the common good, 
And yet his own place wisely understood. 



Nothing could make him stray from duty; death 

Was not so frightful to him, as omission 
Of ministerial work; he feared no breath 

Infectious, i' th' discharge of his commission. 
Rather than run from 's work, he chose to die, 
Boldly to run on death, than duty fly. 



Zealous in God's cause, but meek in his own; 

Modest of nature, bold as any lion, 
Where conscience was concerned; and there were none 
More constant mourners for afflicted Zion. 
So general was his care for th' churches all, 
His spirit seemed apostolical. 



Large was his heart, to spend without regret — 

Rejoicing to do good; not like those moles, 
That root i' th' earth, or roam abroad, to get 
All for themselves (those sorry, narrow souls !) 
But he, like the sun, (i' th' centre as some say,) 
Diffused his rays of goodness every way. 



He breathed love, and pursued peace in his day, 

As if his soul were made of harmony ; 
Scarce ever more of goodness' crowded lay 
In such a piece of frail mortality. 

Sure, father Wilson's genuine son was he — 
New England's Paul had such a Timothy. 



No slave to the world's grand idols — but he flew 

At fairer quarries, without stooping down 
To sublunary prey. His great soul knew 
Ambition none, but of the Heavenly Crown. 

Now he hath won it, and shall wear 't with honor,, 
Adoring grace, and God in Christ, the Donor. 



A friend to truth — a constant foe to error — 

Powerful i' th' pulpit, and sweet in converse; 
To weak ones, gentle — to the profane, a terror. 
Who can his virtues and good works rehearse ? 
The Scripture Bishop's character read o'er, 
Say this was Shepard's — what need I say more ? 



I say no more; let them that can declare 

His rich and rare endowments, paint this sun, 
With all his dazzling rays; but I despair, 
Hopeless by any hand to see it done. 
They that can Shepard's goodness well display, 
Must be as good as he — but who are they ? 

28 



218 



See where our Sister Charlestown, sits and moans ! 
Poor widowed Charlestown ! all in dust, in tears! 
Mark how she wrings her hands! hear how she groans! 
See how she weeps ! What sorrow like to hers ! 
Charlestown, that might for joy compare of late 
With all about her, now looks desolate. 



As you have seen some pale, wan, ghastly look, 
When grisly death, that will not be said nay, 
Hath seized all for itself, possession took, 
And turned the soul out of its house of clay : 
So visaged is poor Charlestown at this day— 
Shepard, her very soul, is torn away. 



Cambridge groans under this so heavy cross, 

And sympathizes with her sister dear — 
Renews her griefs afresh for her old loss 

Of her own Shepard, and drops many a tear. 

Cambridge and Charlestown now joint mouners are, 
And this tremendous loss between them share. 



Must learning's friend (ah ! worth us all) go thus ? 

That great support to Harvard's Nursery! 
Our Fellow (that no fellow had with us) 
Is gone to Heaven's great University. 
Our's now indeed 's a lifeless corporation — 
The soul is fled that gave it animation ! 



Farewell, dear Shepard! thou art gone before, 

Made free of Heaven, where thou shalt sing loud hymns 
Of high triumphant praises evermore, 

In the sweet choir of Saints and Seraphims. 

Lord ! look on us here, clogged with sin and clay ; 
And we, through grace, shall be as happy as they. 



My dearest, inmost bosom-friend is gone ! 

Gone is my sweet companion, soul's delight! 
Now in a huddling crowd I'm all alone — 
Almost could bid all the world good-night. 

Blest be my Rock !— God lives— Oh ! let Him be 
As He is all, so All in all to me ! 

The bereaved, sorrowful Urian Oakes." 



Note 34, page 79. 
LETTER OF HON. J. Q. ADAMS. 

I am permitted to make the following extract from a letter written 
by the Hon. J. Q. Adams to the Rev. G. W. Blagden, of the Old 
South Church : 



219 

" In 1682, Daniel Quincy was married to Anna Shepard, daughter 
of the second Thomas Shepard, and first of that name, minister of 
Charlestown. Of this marriage the issue were two children, Anne, 
born the 1st and baptized the 7th of June, 1085, and John, born the 
21st and baptized the 28th of July, 1689, both at the South Church. 
This John Quincy, son of Daniel and Anna Quincy, was the person 
whose name I bear. He was the father of Elizabeth Smith, (wife of 
William Smith, minister of Weymouth,) my mother's mother. He 
was on his death-bed at the age of 77, when I was baptized ; and it 
was at his daughter's request that his name was given to me. He had 
been an orphan almost from his birth. His father, Daniel Quincy, 
having died at the age of 40, about one year after his birth, in August, 
1690. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1708, and within a 
year afterwards his grandmother, Mrs. Anna Shepard, died, and be- 
queathed to him a farm at Mount Wollaston, where he ever after 
resided and died." 

The following interesting anecdote has been kindly copied for me, 
from the Common Place Book of Judge Sewall, by his descendant, 
Rev. Samuel Sewall of Burlington. 

"Thursday, November 9, 1682. Cousin Daniel Quincy marries 
Mrs. Anna Shepard before John Hull, Esq. Samuel Nowell, Esq , and 
many persons present, almost Capt. Brattle's great hall full. Capt. B. 
and Mrs. Brattle there for two. Mr. Willard began with prayer — Mr. 
Thomas Shepard concluded. As he was praying, cousin Savage, 
mother Hull, wife and self came in. A good space after, when had 
eaten cake and drunk wine and beer plentifully, we were called into 
the great hall again to sing. In singing time, Mrs. Brattle goes out, 
being ill; most of the company go away, thinking it a qualm, or 
some fit ; but she grows worse, speaks not a word, and so dies away in 
her chair, I holding her feet, for she had slipped down. At length, 
out of the kitchen we carry the chair, and her in it, into the wedding- 
hall, and after a while lay the corpse of the dead aunt in the bride's 
bed ; so that now the strangeness and horror of the thing filled the 
(just now) joyous house with ejulation. The bridegroom and bride 
lie at Mr. Airs, (Eyres?) son-in-law to the deceased, going away like 
persons put to flight in battle." 



Note 35, page 83. 
LETTER TO THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH. 

The original letter missive from this church to the Old South, invit- 
ing their assistance at the ordination of Mr. Shepard, has been pre- 
served among the Old South papers, and is as follows : 

"Honored, reverend, and beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ: 

" It having pleased God after his afflicting hand upon us, by the 
death of our faithful Shepard, and frustration of other endeavors for 
supply, to give us some revival, by raising up the son of our blessed 



220 

Shepard, whom, judging by the observation and experience we have had 
of him, not only to have drunk in the principles, but also to be very 
considerably endued with the amiable and Christian spirit of his father, 
we have unanimously called and prevailed with to undertake, with the 
help of God, the office of a pastor among us. In order to the execu- 
tion of the office, we do, according to the custom of the churches in 
these parts, by these our letters entreat you to afford us the presence 
of your teaching officer, with such other messengers as shall seem 
good to you, upon May, the tilth next coming, at nine in the morning, 
to join with the elders and messengers of other churches we have sent 
unto, in the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Shepard, that so by 
the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, he may be lawfully au- 
thorized to discharge the work of a pastor in this part of God's flock. 
" So craving your prayers to the great Shepherd, for such an influ- 
ence upon the labors of our Shepard as may cause an increase of his 
flock, and the spiritual growth of each member therein, we commend 
you also to the same God, and the word of his grace, and rest 
" Your brethren and servants in Christ Jesus, 

" Signed in the name, and by the order of the 
" Church of Christ, in Charlestown, 

Lawk. Hammond, 
John Citler, 
Joseph Lynde, 
John Phillips, 
Thomas Greaves. 
" Charlestown, April 4, 1680. 

" These for Mr. Samuel Willard, pastor of the South Church in Boston. 
" To be communicated to your church." 



" Rev. Thomas Shepard and Mrs. Mary Lynde, widow, were mar- 
ried before Mr. Samuel Nowell, assistant, July 27, 1682." ' 



Note 36, page 94. 

SHEPARD'S MANUSCRIPTS. 

In the antiquarian library several manuscript sermon-books of Rev. 
Thomas Shepard the second, are preserved. One volume contains 
ten discourses on the cxx. Psalm, delivered on successive Sabbaths, 
from January 1, 1659-60 to March 4, 1659-60. Another contains 
twelve, on Psalm exxvii. 3-5, and Psalm exxviii., delivered at intervals, 
from November 22, 1663 to May 22, I6(>4. Another contains twelve 
sacramental discourses on Canticle.-, delivered every four weeks, from 
April 4, 1669 to March 6, 1669-70. Another contains eleven lectures 
on Matthew vii. 13, 14, delivered at intervals of two and four weeks, 

1 Town Records. 



221 

from May 15, 1668 to December 11, 1CGS. Another contains seven 
discourses on Fast and Thanksgiving occasions, begun August 28, 
1 663, and ended March 26, 1665. And still another volume of the same 
character, begun January 2, 1661-2, and concluding with a sermon 
delivered Apnl 12, 1663, on the funeral of Mr. Jno. Norton, who died 
the Lord's day before April 5; Mr. Shepard also wrote an elegy on 
him, which is preserved in the New England Memorial. In the book, 
mentioned the last but one, at the end of the sermon on Psalm xliv. 4, 
delivered on the Fast day, November 16, 1664, is appended the follow- 
ing note : " The night after this fast was the blazing star first observed 
by some among us, which continued visible until February 4, next 
following, first barbatus and at last caudatus cometa." 

It seems to have been Mr. Shepard's practice to conclude all his 
sermons with the Latin aspiration, " Tibi mi domine Jesu," sometimes 
varying the expression with different adjectives, as "charissime," " be- 
atissime," " bencdictissime." 



Note 37, page 101. 

HORSEY'S LETTER. 

In Prince's collection of papers in the Historical Society Library, is 
a letter from Henry Horsey to his brother, dated Newington Green, 
April 12, 1686, of which the following is an extract : 

" We are now a parting with one of our best neighbors and friends, 
good Mr. Charles Morton, an eminent minister of the gospel, who, 
with his family, intends this month to embarque with Foy, in his ship 
for New England, which, as it is our loss, so we doubt not but will be 
that country's great gain ; for he is a person of great learning, and 
piety, and moderation, and of an excellent sweet natural temper, of a 
loving and generous spirit, who will be well worth your acquaintance 
and friendship in anything you can serve him in, especially in that he 
goes over in prospect of; viz., to be president of your college at Cam- 
bridge, who is a most accomplished person for that work, and will 
quickly in his government and education therein, give a reputation to 
it, it having been his employment many years in this place, with great 
success and blessings to all sorts that have been under his government. 
But considering the acquaintance and knowledge Mr. Stoug/iton and 
Mr. Dudley have of him, and my Father also, the bearer of this, I 
might have spared the giving you the trouble of these much concern- 
ing him ; yet the love I bear to him, could not but extort these from 
me. He carries with him besides his wife, a very fine man, his nephew, 
a very good and ingenious person, who is a doctor of physic, and is of 
his uncle's name, Charles — his brother being already in the college, 
who came with Jenner, last winter. Perhaps Foy may depart hence 
before Clark; and then you may both hear his character before this 
conies to your hand." 



The following votes of the church, respecting the call and installa- 
tion of Mr. Morton, are recorded on small pieces of paper, marked 
No. 25 and 26, in the sixth volume of the Mather manuscripts, belong- 
ing to the Old South Church, and deposited in the Massachusetts His- 
torical Society's Library. 

" October 24; 1686. At a meeting of the church, the church did 
unanimously vote that application should be made to the elders of the 
three churches of Boston, to desire their help and assistance in the 
management of that work of setting apart or instituting the Rev. Mr. 
Morton to be the pastor of this church, and to Mr. Mather, senior, to 
take upon him the work and place of a moderator for the day, and in 
particular, to give the said Rev. Mr. Morton his charge." 

On another piece of paper, and in a very different handwriting, 

"24 October, '86. The congregation here in Charlestown was 
stayed. It was then put to vote, if it be the mind of this congregation 
to desire the Rev. Mr. Morton to take upon him the work of the min- 
istry in this place, and so to be your minister, your silence may mani- 
fest your consent herein. This vote passed without one objection. At 
the .same time the members of the church were stayed — those in full 
communion ; and it was put to vote, that if it be the mind of the 
brethren of this church to desire the Rev. Mr. Morton to take upon 
him the office of a pastor in this church, manifest it by the usual sign 
of lifting up your hands. This vote passed unanimously." 

In still another handwriting, 

" Also the Rev. Mr. Morton did manifest his readiness and willing- 
ness to comply with the church's desire and call of him." 



Note 38, page 109. 
MORTON'S PUBLICATIONS. 

Several of Mr. Morton's works are preserved in the Antiquarian 
Library at Worcester, and some are also to be found in the library of 
the Massachusetts Historical Society. For the following list of his 
publications, I am indebted to Rev. Mr. Sewall, who derived it from 
Eliot and Allen. 

They were, 1. The Little Peacemaker, on Proverbs xiii. 10. — 
2. Foolish Pride, the makebate, 1674. — 3. Debts Discharged, Romans 
xiii. 8. — 4. The Gaming Humor considered and reproved. — 5. The 
way of good men for wise men to walk in. — 6. Season Birds: an in- 
quiry into the sense of Jeremiah viii. 7. — 7. Meditations on the first 
fourteen chapters of Exodus, &,c. — 8. The Spirit of Man: meditations 
on 1 Thessalonians v. 23. — 1). Of Common Places; or, Memorial 
Books. — 10. A Discourse on Improving the County of Cornwall. — 
11. Considerations on the New River. — 12. Letter to a Friend, to 
prove money not so necessary as imagined. — 13. The Ark, its loss and 
recovery. 



223 

I have met with several copies of his " Compendium Physicje," a 
philosophical treatise, which his students copied. 

He composed also a system of logic, which the students of the col- 
lege were required to copy. 



Note 39, page 112. 

MODE OF CALLING AND SETTLING MINISTERS. 

The following paper, having reference to the delay of Mr. Brad- 
street's ordination, was kindly copied and sent to me by the Rev. Dr. 
Jenks. 

«« To the honored James Russell, Esq., to be communicated to the breth- 
eren of the Church of Charlstowne. 

41 Honored and Beloved Bretheren : 

" Grace and peace be multiplyed unto you. We, observing that the 
ordination of the Rev. Mr. Simon Bradstreet intended to be carryed 
on at Charlstowne, to have been laid aside by an unexpected obstruc- 
tion put thereunto, occasioned either upon the misunderstanding of 
some matters between the persons concerned therein, or the suggestion 
of some non-cogent reasons, or some misapplyed Texts and instances 
of Scripture, (which might easily admitt of an answer as we appre- 
hend,) to the great dissatisfaction of severall persons, upon all which, 
and severall other considerations that might be added, have thought 
good to advise and persuade you, the Bretheren of the church of Christ 
at Charlstowne, upon a review of the things that occasioned the 
obstruction that you proceed to the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Simon 
Bradstreet, upon such Terms as he lately declared and yielded unto; 
and that you be ready willingly to embrace him, not only as a member 
of your Ecclesiasticall Society, but as an officer whom you have already 
chosen to the Pastorall office among you, he being orderly dismissed or 
Recomended from the Church of Christ in Andover into which, as 
we understand, he was some years since formally admitted; and that 
you quietly and freely submit to his administration of his office amongst 
you, according to the Rules of Gospell ; desiring also, that all former 
errours and mistakes on all sides be forgiven, laid aside and forgotten, 
and that there may be an endeavor on all hands, to walk together in 
love, purity and peace, that thereby you may obtain the God of Love 
and peace to be with you as he hath promised, which is the True 
desire of 

" Yours in the Gospell of Christ." ' 

(No signatures are given, and no date.) 

I am not entirely satisfied with the explanation given pp. Ill, 112, 
and am disposed to think that there was some ground for the censure 



1 From the " Willys papers," belonging to Ashur Adams, Esq. 



224 

cast upon our church by the Boston churches. The following extracts 
from the town records, will exhibit the method pursued in the calling 
and settling of ministers. 

" March 12, 1090-7. James Russell, Esq., moderator. Mr. Simon 
Bradstreet was chosen an assistant to Rev. Charles Morton in the min- 
istry. £80 salary voted. 

" June 20, 1097. Mr. Bradstreet answered that he could not come 
for a month or six weeks, and then would, and in the meantime preach 
or provide help. 

" May 13, 1093. Worshipful James Russell communicated to the 
town the fact of the choice by the church of Mr. Simon Bradstreet for 
pastor, and asked the concurrence of the town. Voted in the affirma- 
tive by the general lifting up of the hands. .£100 salary voted. 

" July 12, 1093. Rev. Mr. Simon Bradstreet met with the select- 
men and declared his acceptance of ' the call of the church and town, 
and did promise to carry on the whole work of the ministry among us. 
And then by the selectmen ordered that Deacon Kettle pay him out of 
the contribution money the proportionable sum every week, after the 
rate of ,£100 per annum, according to vote of inhabitants, May 13, 
1098.' 

" May 21, 1712. Voted by the town, 'that they would have another 
settled minister in the town.' ' The selectmen were appointed and 
desired to inform Mr. Bradstreet of the vote, and ask his concurrence, 
and make return the next general meeting, the last Monday in June 
next.' 

"June 10, 1712. Mr. Bradstreet answered, provided the person was 
agreeable to the town, and also one that was agreeable to him, he did 
believe it would be an advantage both to the town and to himself. 

" June 30, 1712. Voted that a committee be appointed to discourse 
with Mr. Bradstreet, and acquaint him that the town has impowered 
them to desire him to acquaint the church of their intention to chose 
another settled minister, and prays their assistance and direction 
therein. 

" July 21, 1712. At a legal and general meeting of the inhabitants 
of Charlestown, Colonel Joseph Lynde was chosen moderator. Then 
the answer of the church to the town, concerning the getting another 
settled minister, was publicly read, which was as followed] : 

"At a meeting of the church of Christ in Charlestown, July 18, 
1712. The church having been acquainted with and considered of 
the town's desire of their direction and assistance in the choice of a 
person to be settled amongst them in the work of the ministry. It H as 
declared and voted, that as the church doth approve of and concur 
with the desire of the town, to have another settled minister, so they 
would desire the town to join with them in an humble and hearty 
seeking unto God through Jesus Christ, by fasting and prayer for his 
gracious presence, conduct and blessing to guide and prosper them in 
such a weighty and important undertaking. The time intended and 
voted for the aforesaid fasting and prayer, is to be (God willing) the 
second Wednesday in August next. 

" Attest, Simon Bradstreet, Pastor. 

" A true copy of the church's return. 

" Attest, Nathaniel Dows, Town Clerk." 



225 

" The town voted their concurrence with the church's answer. 

"At a meeting of the selectmen, September 15, 1712. 

" At a meeting of the church of Christ, in Charlestown, September 
2, 1712. The church being convened to nominate three suitable per- 
sons to present to the town with whom they are willing (and have con- 
cluded) to join in choosing one out of the said number to be settled 
amongst us in the work of the Evangelical ministry. They did nomi- 
nate and appoint then three following; viz., the Rev. Mr. Joseph 
Stevens, Rev. Mr. John Webb, and the Rev. Mr. John Tufts. Mr. 
Stevens had 23 votes, Mr. Webb had 20, and Mr. Tufts 22. 

" Attest, Simon Bradstreet, Pastor." 

" Memorandum. The pastor of the church did not see cause to act 
in, but did suspend his concurrence with respect to the nomination of 
the Rev. Mr. John Webb. A true copy. 

" Attest, Nathaniel Dows, Town Clerk." 

" A meeting of the inhabitants met in the meeting-house, September 
22, 1712, 10 o'clock A. M., and made choice of Rev. Joseph Stevens, 
who had 104 votes, Mr. Webb 47, Mr. Tufts 8." 



Note 40, page 113. 

MORTON'S LATIN EPITAPH. 

The following epitaph was written by Rev. Simon Bradstreet, Mr. 
Morton's successor. 1 

Sacra et sempiternse Memoriae 
Rev" 1 '- plurimum et clarissimi viri 

Dom. Caroli Mortoni, 

Ecelesiae Charlestoniensis Pastoris instructissimi : 

Nee non Collegii Harvardini Vice Praesid. primi, 

aeque ac insiguiter in omni Literarum genere versatil. 

viri deniq ; 

turn in Anglia (ubi natus I'uit et maxime floruit) 

turn in Nov-Anglia (ubi senilis obiit) 

permultis nominibus celcbrandi. 

Qui vita hac {erumnosa probe defunctus, 

April, die XI. Anno D. MDCXCVIII. 

aetatis suae LXXII. 

Ex parte sui Irnmortali ac nobilissima. in Caelis triumphal : 

Ex altera ver6, corruptibili scilicet, in hoc Monumento paulisper quiesclt; 

Expectans dum vocem audierit Filii Dei, 

qua revocatus a morte in vilam vere vitalern, 

quam gloriosus in eternum regnabit ! 

EPITAPHIUM. 

Inclvta Mortomm musarum gloria quondam 
Et sacer Eterni Regis l.egatus Jesu 
Post varios casus, post funera mulia suoruin 
Sic cadit in cineres resolutus ab hosle supremo, 
Ut Domini virtute sui victrice resurgens 
Gaudeal aeternis, absorpta morte, triumphis. 2 

» 1 Hist. Coll. viii. 75. 2 1 Mass. H. S. Coll. viii. 76. 

29 



226 

Note 41, page 11G. 
CHARLESTOWN LECTURE. 

From Judge Sewall's manuscript journal, we learn that in Mr. Mor- 
ton's day, and probably before, there was a stated lecture held at 
Charlestown. This lecture, like the Boston fifth-day or Thursday 
lecture, was originally designed for the exposition of Scripture ; it was 
held once a month, on Friday. It was continued by Mr. Bradstreet, 
and was preached alternately by himself and Mr. Stevens, his colleague. 
In Mr. Abbot's time, it seems to have been converted into a lecture 
preparatory to the Lord's supper, such as is now common. 

There is a manuscript volume in the possession of the Antiquarian 
Society at Worcester, containing a series of lectures on Matthew vii. 
13, 14, delivered in Charlestown, by the second Thomas Shepard, 
100.*, and written out fairly with his own hand. The dates of the 
lectures, respectively, are May 15, June 12, July 10, August 7, Sep- 
tember 4, October 2, October 10, October 30, November 13, Novem- 
ber 27, December 11. 

It will be seen that the lectures, down to October 2, were given 
every four weeks ; and all these were upon Matthew vii. 13. The 
remainder were given every two weeks ; and these were upon Matthew 
vii. 14. 

It would seem probable, therefore, that the lecture was held once a 
fortnight, and that Mr. Symmes and Shepard alternated. 

The following notices of the Charlestown Lecture in Judge Sewall's 
journal, will be read with interest. 

" 1687, May 27. Went to Charlestown Lecture, and heard Mr. 
Morton from these words: 'Love is a fruit of the Spirit.' Mr. Dan- 
forth sat in the Deacon's seat." " 1687, August 19. Mr. Morton's 
text, out of the fruits of the Spirit, falls in course to be Peace, indeed 
very seasonably, as to the exercise that town is under respecting their 
common, part of which was laid out and bounded to particular per- 
sons." "1088, May 11. Go to Charlestown Lecture." "1088, 
Friday, June 8. Sir William at Charlestown Lecture." " 1(588, Sep- 
tember 28. I go to Charlestown Lecture. Mr. Lee preaches from 
Matthew xxv. 0. After lecture, dined at Mr. Russell's." "1691, 
Friday, October 9. Mr. Baily preaches the lecture at Charlestown. 
After lecture, Mr. Morton dines in his new house, one room being 
closed. Were at table, :Mr. Morton and Mrs., my Lady l'hips, Mr. 
Mood] and Mrs., Mr. Allen, Mr. Baily, little John Baily." " 1715-16, 
January 13. I go to Charlestown Lecture. Mr. Bradstreet preached 
excellent I y from Lain. iii. 25. Madam Bradstreet was at meeting." 
" 1716, September 21. Go to Charlestown Lecture, which is the first 
in their new meeting-house. Mr. Stevens preaches from Psalm lxxxiv. 
4: 'Blessed are they thai dwell in thy bouse.' Made a very good dis- 
course, worthy to be printed. Two first staves Ixv. Ps. Bung L. Dined 
with Col. Phillips." "1717, August '-J3. Went to Charlestown 
Lecture. Mr. Stevens gave us a very good discourse from Revelation 
xiv. 13," &c. " 1717, September 20. Went to Charlestown Lecture, 
where Mr. Bradstreet preached from Psalm cxlin. 10: 'Teach me to 



227 

do thy will.' Dined with Mr. Graves." " 1718, October 17. Go to 
Charlestons Lecture. Mr. Bradstreet preached from Hebrews xiii. 14. 
Mentioned the sudden deaths several times. Have been lour of late; 
viz., Plummer, Mico, Sheaf the ferryman," &.c. " 1720-21, February 
3, Friday. Mr. Bradstreet preaches the lecture from Job xiv. 14 : ' I 
will wait.' The Governor and Col. Dudley (William) dine with the 
Court, but were not at lecture." Anciently the Superior Court was 
held at Charlestown and Cambridge alternately, and the above is an 
instance in which the judges seemed to have adjourned court to attend 
lecture, as they were accustomed to do when lecture fell in court 
time. 1 



Note 42, page 124. 
STEVENS'S PRIVATE RECORDS. 

This volume, which belonged originally to Mr. Stevens and after- 
wards to Mr. Abbot, contains the following records in the handwriting 
of Mr. Stevens. 

" The new meeting-house at Charlestown was raised the 20th day of 
June, A. D. 1716. We met in it August 5, 1716. 

" Joseph Stevens, son of Joseph and Mary Stevens, was born at 
Andover, June 20, 1682. 

" Sarah Linde, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Linde, was born at 
Charlestown, February 23, 1693-4. 

" September 16, 1705. I preached my first sermon at Marblehead, 
on Matthew xvi. 26, I being then twenty-three years, two months and 
twenty-seven days old. 

" I was chosen a fellow of Harvard College December 24, 1711. 

" I was ordained at Charlestown, October 13, 1713, by the Rev. 
Dr. Increase Mather ; had the right hand of fellowship by his son, Dr. 
C. Mather. I preached from Daniel xii. 3. 

" Joseph Stevens and Sarah Linde were married July 15, 2 1714, by 
the Rev. Mr. Bradstreet. 

" Sarah Stevens was born May 5, 1715, and baptized by myself 
the 8th. 

" Sarah Stevens died August 20, 1716. 

" Sarah Stevens the second, was born February 18, 1716-17, and 
baptized by Rev. Mr. Bj/adstreet, the 24th. 

" Joseph Stevens was born June 30, 1719, and baptized by myself, 
July 5th. 

" Benjamin Stevens was born May 4, 1721, and baptized by Mr. 
Bradstreet, 7th." 



1 For a full and interesting account of the origin and nature of these ancient lectures, see 
Rev. Mr. Sewall's Notes, American Quarterly Register, volume xiii. p. 51. 
s The Town Records say July 14. 



228 

This book also contains a record of marriages solemnized by him 
from September 28, 1714, to August 11, 1 721 ; and also a list of the 
children he had baptized from 1713 to 1721. 



Note 43, page 125. 
SETTLEMENT OF MR. PRENTICE. 

The following account of the proceedings of the church in reference 
to the settlement of Mr. Prentice, was written by Mr. Abbot, in the 
manuscript volume just alluded to. 

MEMORANDUM. 

" At a Church Meeting at Charlestown, 21 May, 1739. 

" After the meeting was opened with solemn and earnest prayer to 
God, for his Presence and Direction, the church came into the follow- 
ing votes : 

" First. They voted a Concurrence with the Town, in the vote they 
had passed at a general Town meeting, on the 14th of May, wherein 
they declared Their Inclination and Desire to have another Settled 
Pastor, to take part of the Ministry with me. [N. B. — There were 
about 31 that voted for it, and about 20 that appeared against it, be- 
sides some that were Neuters, especially the Two Deacons, who did 
not act in the affair.] 

" Secondly. They voted (agreeable to the Custom of the Churches 
in This Land, and of This Church in particular, in such affairs) to set 
apart a Day for Solemn prayer with Fasting, to implore the presence 
of the Glorious Head of the Church with Them, and that they might 
be both directed and prospered in so weighty and Important an under- 
taking, as That of the Settlement of a Pastor is to God's glory and our 
Edification. And accordingly, They agreed to set apart Wednesday, 
the Sixth of Junr, for the observation of the Fast. 

" Thirdly. They voted to Desire the Town to join with Them in 
the Solemnities of the Fast, which They Judged the First step proper 
to he taken in an affair of This Nature and Importance, that relates to 
the Kingdom and Interest of Christ in the World. 

" Fourthly. The Church having desired that the Elders &c. that 
come to assist us on the Fast, might meet at My House, did vote that 
The Deacons should supply us with what was Needful for their Enter- 
tainment on That Occasion. 






" Then I dismissed the Church with the Apostolical Benediction." 

" June (5. We observed the Private Fast as was proposed by the 
Church, 21 May. l)r Sew all opened the Solemnit] in the morning by 
prayer; Mr. Cooper preached, xvi. Jehu, 23, 1. Mi. \\ c I: teed closed 
the Forenoon exercise with prayer. 

" Mr. Grey began with prayer in the Afternoon. I preached l.wiii. 
Psalm, lb: ' Thou h<i>t received gifts for mm;' and Mr. Byles prayed 



229 

after Sermon. And after we had sang the Hymn in which was the 
text, Dr. Sewall dismissed the Congregation with the Blessing." 

" At a Church meeting at Charlestown, 13 June, 1739. 

" After Solemn prayers and Supplications to the Glorious Head of 
the Church for his Presence and Direction, &c, The Church came 
into the following votes : 

" First. They voted That They would, (God willing,) with All 
Convenient Speed, proceed to the Invitation and Settlement of another 
Pastor over Them, and take the usual and Regular steps for that End 
and purpose. 

" Secondly. They voted to have but one Person in Nomination as 
a Candidate in order to a settlement. 

" Thirdly. Mr. Thomas Prentice was the person only Nominated. 

" Fourthly. They voted to desire the Rev. Mr. Thomas Prentice 
to preach with Them for Two Sabbaths next Ensuing, as a Candidate, 
in order to a Settlement in the Gospel Ministry among Them. 

" Fifthly. Voted that Major Jenner, Joseph Lemmon, Esq., and 
Mr. Seth Sweetser, be a Committee to acquaint the Rev. Mr. Prentice 
with the Church's Vote, and to Invite Him to preach with us in order 
to a Settlement. 

" Sixthly. Voted also that the Honorable Committee desire of Mr. 
Prentice some account of the Grounds and Manner of his Remove 
from His People, and make Report to the Church upon the Adjourn- 
ment of This Meeting for Their Satisfaction in that matter. 

" Seventhly. Voted that the Committee aforesaid, be desired to 
acquaint the Selectmen with the Church's vote relating to the Settle- 
ment of another Minister, and desire them forthwith to Issue out a war- 
rant to assemble the Town together, to Join with the Church in the 
choice of another Pastor to take part of the Ministry with the Rev. 
Mr. Abbot. 

" Eighthly. Voted that the Deacons render an account to the Church 
at the Adjournment of This Meeting, of what stock there is in the 
Church Treasury under Their care. 

" Ninthly. Voted that the Church meeting be adjourned to the Day 
of the Town Meeting aforesaid, and that the Church assemble together 
at the ringing of the First Bell for the Meeting. 

" Then I dismissed the Church with the Apostolical Benediction." 

" At a Church Meeting at Charlestown, (met by adjournment,) 2 
July, 1739. 

" After the meeting was opened with prayer, the Church came into 
the several following votes : 

" First. They voted an Acceptance of the Report of the Com- 
mittee, relating to the Grounds and Manner of Mr. Prentice His re- 
moval from his people at Arundel, (whom They chose to make Inquiry 
into It,) and declared that They were satisfied as to the manner of it, 
&lc. N. B. — The Report in writing is Lodged with me ! 

" Secondly. They accepted The Report made by the Deacons, 
concerning the Church Stock, which They declared amounted to the 
sum of 13(5. 1 1. 3., and that This included in It not only the Surplusage 
of the Collections made by the Church ; but also, and chiefly, what 



230 

They had received for the Rents of the Church's pastures, and the 
Letting of the Funeral Pall, &.C 

" Thirdly. They \oted That some of the Church's Monies should 
be devoted to pious and Charitable uses. 

" Fourthly. They particularly voted that the sum of <£10 should be 
distributed by Myself and the Deacons, to proper objects of Christian 
Charity, especially to such as belonged to the Church. 

" Fifthly. They voted that the Deacons should have the Improve- 
ment of the Church's Pasture, by Mr. Hutchinson's, for Their Trouble 
in the management of the Secular affairs of the Church, till further 
order from the Church. N. B. — The Deacons were Samuel Froth- 
ingharn and Jonathan Kettell. 

" Then I dismissed the meeting with a Benediction. From thence 
we went to Join with the Town in the choice of another Pastor, when 
Mr. Prentice was chosen." 

" At a Church Meeting at Charlestown, 28th August, 1739. 

" After Solemn Prayers were made to the Glorious Head of the 
Church, the Church came into the following votes : 

" First. They voted (God willing) that they would proceed to the 
Installation of Mr. Prentice, who had accepted Their call to office, 
with all Convenient Speed. 

" Secondly. They voted the first Wednesday in October Next, 
(which is the 3d of the month,) to be the Day for That Solemnity. 

" Thirdly. They voted to Desire five Churches with their Pastors 
and Delegates, to assist in Council upon that Occasion. 

" Fourthly. The Churches Nominated and Determined, were Those 
of whom Dr. Colman, &,c, Dr. Sewall, &.c., Mr. Welsteed, &,c, at 
Boston, were Pastors; and the Church of Cambridge, and the Church 
at Medford. N. B. — [Upon amotion made in Mr. Prentice's behalf, 
that He might be excused from preaching on the Day of his Install- 
ment ; the Church were not disposed in General to give up the Custom 
that They had been in, of the Pastor's preaching Himself at such a 
Time; and therefore desired that he would then preach.] 

" Fifthly. Voted That there should be a Public Collection to defray 
the charges of the Day aforesaid. 

" Sixthly. Voted to have the Entertainment at the House in which 
Mr. Prentice is to Live, it being large and Convenient for that Pur- 
pose ; and that The Ordination Council be invited to Meet There on 
the Morning of the Installment. 

" Seventhly. Voted that the Committee for providing Mr. Prentice's 
house, viz., Mr. Russell, Jenner, Cary and Foye, be a Committee to 
provide for the Entertainment ; and that there be Joined to them, Capt. 
Cheever, Foster, Mr. Trumbal, and the Two Deacons, for that pur- 
pose. Upon a motion I made, the Church desired I would frame and 
send forth in due Time, Circular Letters to the Churches afore-men- 
tioned, in their name and behalf to Invite them to Join in sucb an act 
of Communion as that of an ordination or Installment of a Pastor is. 

" Then 1 dismissed the meeting with a Benediction." 

" At a Church Meeting at Charlestown, 24 September, 1739, at 9 
o'clock, A. M. 



231 

" After prayers were offered up to the Great Head of the Church. 

" 1. The Church voted their acceptance of the Form of the Letter 
that I drew up to send to the Churches They had before voted to Invite 
to Join in Council for the purpose of Mr. Prentice's Instalment, and 
desired that I would subscribe and send the Letters to them in their 
name. 

" 2. They voted to Desire the Rev. Dr. Coleman to give the Sacred 
Charge to Mr. Prentice, at his Instalment ; and in Case He should 
refuse, or were detained by Illness, that the Rev. Dr. Sewall be desired 
to take that part upon Him. 

" 3. They voted Mr. Prentice his admission into our Church fellow- 
ship and Communion. 

"4. They voted that what be wanting more than was gathered by 
the Town for that purpose, be taken out of the Church Stock for to 
Defray the Charges of the Public Entertainment, on the Day of Mr. 
Prentice's Instalment. 

" Then I dismissed the meeting with a Benediction." 



Note 44, page 128. 
THE EARTHQUAKE. 

The following notice of this earthquake is taken from the manu- 
script diary of Mr. Thomas Abbot, of Boston — the brother of Rev. 
Hull Abbot — which is now owned by Mr. Benjamin Edmands. 

"October 29, 1727. This night, betwixt 10 and 11 o'clock, there 
was in this place and many miles distant, a terrible Earthquake, in 
which the earth and the inhabitants thereof trembled much ; but 
through the goodness of God, who, in judgment did remember mercy, 
we dont hear of any hurt done, or that so much as one person lost his 
life. There were several shocks at some hours' distant from one an- 
other, but the first exceeded the rest. On the day following, many 
people being assembled at the Old North Church, there were about 
three hours, from 11 to 2 o'clock, spent in prayers and in preaching; 
and at 5 o'clock, the people assembled at the Old Brick and Old South 
Churches, and spent between three and four hours more in holy exer- 
cises as in the morning, crying mightily to the God of all grace, that he 
would sanctify his awful providence to this whole people, and that he 
would pardon these great and crying sins that were the procuring 
cause of his judgments ; and that he would not enter judgment with 
us, but spare us according to the greatness of his mercy in Christ. 
The Lord hear all the prayers that have been and are going up, and 
give a gracious answer of peace, and prepare this, his people in this 
town, for the day of solemn fasting and prayer, on Thursday approach- 
ing, that it may be such a fast as he has chosen. 

" The earth was felt to shake for seven or eight months after in some 
places, and the roarings thereof ever now and then heard. But 
through God's goodness we are spared still." 



232 

Note 45, page 137. 

ABBOT'S FAMILY. 

From the manuscript volume to which I have alluded, I extract the 
following memoranda, in the handwriting of Mr. Abbot. 

" Moses Abbot and Rebecca Knight were married 11 September, 
1701. He was lost at sea February, 1717-18. 

" Hull Abbot was born on Monday, 15 June, 1702." He was the 
eldest of eight children, four of whom died in infancy. The births of 
the other three are given as follows: Elizabeth, bom 10 March, 1706; 
Moses, August 3, 1711 ; Richard, May 29, 1715. 

" Elizabeth died July 13, 1738, at Princeton, and was buried at 
Charlestown, in the tomb with her husband, 15th instant. Moses died 
May 1st, 1734; Richard died July 6, 1754, N. S. 

" Memorandum. October 3, 1741. My dear mother died about 8 
o'clock in the evening, after about a twelvemonth's visitation with a 
cancer in her breast ; very much distressed with pains about six months 
of the time ; and I doubt not, died in the Lord, and slept in Jesus. 
Lord, let me die the death of the righteous ! 

" Mary Bradstreet, daughter to the Rev. Mr. Simon and Mary Brad- 
street, was born at Charlestown, September 9, 1703, being Thursday. 

" Hull Abbot and Mary Bradstreet were married July 27, 1731, 
(being Tuesday,) by her father, Rev. Simon Bradstreet. She died 
May l0, about midnight, 1703, after long confinement and great weak- 
ness." They had seven children, three of whom died in infancy. The 
record of the rest is as follows : 

"3. Mary Abbot was born Thursday, November 7, 1734, being a day 
of Public Thanksgiving. I baptized her in my arms, on the 10th day 
of second month. 

" 4. Moses, born Friday, April 14, 1738. I baptized him in my 
arms, on the following Sabbath, April 16th. 

"5. Rebecca, born Thursday, April 19, 1739. I baptized her in 
my arms, on the Sabbath following, April 22. She died November 
27, 1756. 

" 7. Thomas, born Thursday, May 2, 1745. He was baptized by 
Mr. Prentice, May 5, 1745." 

The following records are written in another hand. 

"Thomas, son of Hull and Mary Abbot, born May 2, 1745. 

" Hannah Hesilrige, daughter of Sir Robert and Sarah Hesilrige, 
was born August 20, 1757. 

" Thomas Abbot and Hannah Hesilrige were married July 18, 1776. 
Mr. Gordon made the first prayer, and performed the marriage. Mr. 
Jackson, of Brookline, concluded with prayer. 

"David Henley was born February 12, 17 l!>. 

" Sarah Hesilrige was bom March 26, 1759. 

" David Henley and Sarah Hesilrige were married by Mr. Parker, 
Episcopalian, Boston, March 21, \'i>1. 

" Arthur Hesilrige Henley was born November 13, 1782, and christ- 
ned by Mr. Parker. Sponsors, D. Hubbard, A. Babcock and wife. 



233 

" David Henley was born March 23, 1784. He was christened pri- 
vately, by Mr. Parker, being dangerously sick. 
" Sarah Henley died June 10, 17H). 
" Hannah Abbot died May 3- 17Si). 
" Rev. Thomas Abbot died November 1, 1789, aged forty-five." 



Note 46, page 1 37. 

ABBOT'S PUBLICATIONS. 

Besides the discourse quoted in the lecture, I found another in the 
Antiquarian Library, at Worcester, with the following title : 

" The duty of God's People to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and 
especially for the preservation and continuance of their own Privileges, 
both Civil and Religious, when in danger at Home or from Abroad. 
A Sermon on occasion of the Rebellion in Scotland, raised in favor 
of a Popish Pretender, with design to overthrow our present Happy 
Establishment, and to introduce Popery and Arbitrary Power into our 
Nations, from which, by a series of Wonders, in the Good Providence 
of God, they have been often delivered. Preached at Charlestown, in 
New England, January 12, 1745-6, by Hull Abbot, A. M., A Pastor 
of the church there: Isaiah lxii. 1 ; Psalm lxxii. 15; James v. 16. The 
Queen Mother of Scotland was heard to say, That she more feared the 
fasting and prayers of John Knox and his disciples, than an army of 
thirty thousand men. Spec. Vel. Sacri. Boston : printed and sold by 
Rogers and Fowle, in Q,ueen-street, 1746." 

He also published a sermon against profane cursing and swearing, 
1747, which I have not seen. 



Note 47, page 142. 
REV. THOMAS PRENTICE. 

An excellent portrait of this gentleman, in an admirable state of 
preservation, is in possession of Mrs. Amasa Stetson, of Dorchester, 
who is a grand-daughter of Mr. Prentice. It was painted in 1755, by 
Mr. Badger, of Boston. 

To John Kettell, Esq., of Dorchester, a grand-son of Mr. Prentice, 
I am indebted for the following particulars. 

He was born in Cambridge, 1702, of pious and respectable parents, 
and graduated at Harvard College, 1726. In 1728, he was ordained 
and settled in Arundel, District of Maine, whither he had gone for the 
benefit of his health. Soon after his settlement, he married Irene 
Emery, daughter of Rev. Mr. Emery, of Wells, by whom he had seven 
daughters and one son ; four of the daughters and the son died early. 
30 



234 

In 1737, the Indian War commenced, and the church was dispersed ; in 
consequence of which, Mr. Prentice returned to his native place with 
his wife and three children, where he soon received three invitations 
for settlement, from the New North Church, Boston, from West Cam- 
bridge, and from Charlestown; the latter of which he accepted, and 
the same day declined the other two. His wife died 1745, leaving 
three daughters, Irene, Mary, and Margaret. In October, 1746, he 
married Rebecca Austin, daughter of Nathaniel and Rebecca Austin, 
of Charlestown, by whom he had one daughter, Rebecca, who mar- 
ried Joseph Kettcll, of Boston. His second wife died October, 1748, 
aged thirty-three years. In 17.50, he married widow Mary Butman, of 
Old York, by whom he had no children, and who survived him, and 
returned to York after his death. After the burning of the town, he 
repaired to Cambridge, and lived the remainder of his life in the house 
in which he was born, which was then owned by him. 

His daughter Mary, married Dr. Frost, of Cambridge, 1702, with 
whom she lived two years; and after his death, she married Nehemiah 
Rand, Esq., of Charlestown, 1700, and fled with her husband, during 
the war, to Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, where they lived until 
their death. 

Mr. Prentice published several discourses, four of which I have 
seen, and possibly there are others. 

The first was a sermon preached July 18, 1745, on a General 
Thanksgiving, for the reduction of Cape Breton. 

The second, a sermon preached January 28, 1747-8, on a Public 
Fast, after the destruction of the Province Court House by fire. 

The third, a sermon preached at the Thursday Lecture, in Boston, 
January 1, 1756, on occasion of the Earthquake, November 18, pre- 
ceding. 

The fourth was a sermon on the death of Mrs. Anna Gary, wife of 
Mr. Richard Cary, and eldest daughter of Richard Bradley, Esq., 
Attorney General of New York, preached the Sabbath after her 
death, March 2, 1755. This lady was remarkable for her piety and 
general excellence. I have now lying before me a copy of " some of 
Mrs. Gary's sayings a few days before her death." They appear to 
have attracted considerable attention, and been treasured up through 
veneration for the author's piety. This copy has been preserved by an 
aged member of the church. 



Note 48, page 142. 
MEETING-HOUSE HILL. 

The meeting-house, which was destroyed when the town wis burnt, 
was situated on the northwest side of the square. When the town was 

rebuilt, it was felt to he desirable that the square should he kept open 
and unobstructed by buildings of any sort; and accordingly a new site 
was appropriated for the meeting-house in lieu of the old one. 

The following vote was passed by the town, October 27, 1*^2 : 



235 

" Whereas, by the destruction of a great part of this town in the year 
1775, the inhabitants of the first parish were very great sufferers, and 
the house for public worship in said parish, as well as the dwellings 
of said inhabitants, were destroyed by fire, and as the affections of 
kindness and brotherly love are among the brightest ornaments of 
human nature, and as it is in the power of the town, without any in- 
jury to the general interests thereof, to furnish said parish with a place 
on which to erect a building for the public worship of God — There- 
fore, this town, acting on the principles and reasons above-mentioned, 
do hereby vote to grant, and do grant, convey, and relinquish to the 
first parish in this town, that piece of land commonly called Town- 
House Hill, for the sole purpose of erecting thereon a house for the 
public worship of God, provided said parish building be erected 
thereon within the space of five years, otherwise this grant to be void." 
Within a year from the passage of this vote, the meeting-house was 
erected ; and the right thus acquired by the parish to the hill, was 
conceded and carefully respected by the town. In the year 1800, 
when the town were about building the present Harvard school-house, 
" for the accommodation of the schools, town meetings, and other 
public business," the parish committee were requested to call a parish 
meeting, " to know of the parish whether they will give the town a 
spot to erect a school-house upon, in front of the old one." The meet- 
ing was held accordingly, and it was voted, " That the parish will 
relinquish to the town all the right they may hold in the land front of 
the school-house, sufficient for the erection of a school-house and 
town hall, reserving not less than sixty-five feet on a parallel line 
north of the meeting-house." The well between the school-house 
and meeting-house (in which the pump now stands) was dug a few 
years subsequent to the erection of the school-house, when the parish 
consented to have it done, as it was for the public good. 



Note 49, page 143. 
ENLARGEMENT OF THE MEETING-HOUSE. 

In the year 1803, the population of the town having increased so 
much as to require a larger house of worship, the parish decided to 
enlarge the meeting-house. They at first determined to make a circu- 
lar alteration on the north and south sides, so as to make an addition 
of about twenty feet on each side. This design was subsequently 
relinquished, and a plan adopted for enlarging the house by adding 
fifteen feet to each side. The dimensions of the house, as thus en- 
larged, were 84 feet wide by 74 long. 

The tower and steeple were also at this time repaired and painted ; 
the tower was seventy-two feet high, and the height of the steeple, to 
the top of the ball, was one hundred and sixty-two feet from the ground. 
Aaron Putnam, Esq., Zabdiel B. Adams, Esq., and Mr. Amariah 
Childs, were the committee appointed to superintend the work. 

" The names of the present proprietors (and where they are not 
known, the present occupiers) of the pews, with the number annexed 



236 



to their respective names, of the pews assigned them, after the altera- 
tions and enlargements of the meeting-house are completed agreeably 
to the plan — the other pews the property of the subscribers who are to 
complete the alterations. May 3, 1804. 





PEWS BELOW. 




Samuel Bradstreet, 


No. 1 


Cotton Center, 


No. 64 


Thomas Harris, 


2 


Samuel Swan, Jr., 


65 


Samuel Swan, Jr., 


3 


Matthew Bridge, 


66 


John Larkin, 


4 


Larkin Sc Goodwin, 


67 


Phillips, Payson, & Samuel 


Soley, 5 


Isaac Mallett's est, 


68 


Artemas Ward, 


6 


John Austin, 


69 


John Harris, 


7 


Perkins Nichols, 


70 


Nathan Tufts, 


8 


John Pratt, 


71 


Est. of David Devens, 


9 


Josiah Barker, 


72 


Poor's pew, 


17 


Richard Frothingham, 


73 


Bartlett & Payson, 


26 


Benjamin Frothingham, 


74 


Francis Hyde, 


27 


Ammi R. Tufts, 


75 


Daniel Tufts, 


28 


Timothy Thompson, 


76 


Thomas Osgood, 


29 


Eliphalet Newell, 


83 


John Edmands, 


30 


William Wiley, 


78 


Widow Barker, 


31 


Peter Edes, 


79 


Edmands & Fosdick, 


32 


Poor's pew, 


84 


Poor's pew, 


33 


Rayner and Frothingham, 


85 


Jonathan Kettell, 


38 


Est. of Samuel Conant, 


86 


Widow Larkin, 


39 


Nathaniel Austin, 


87 


Josiah Bartlett, 


45 


Mercy Farnsworth, 


88 


Ebenezer Breed, 


41 


Thomas W. Pratt, 


89 


Frothinprham &, Goodwin, 


42 


William Goodwin, 


90 


David Wood, 


43 


James Frothingham, Jr., 


91 


Minister's pew, 


44 


Poor's pew, 


100 


Thomas Brooks, 


48 


Holmes &. Pratt, 


108 


Thomas Hooper, 


49 


Timothy Walker, 


109 


Aaron Putnam, 


36 


Samuel Gary, &c. 


110 


Carleton & Stetson, 


51 


George Bartlett, &c, 


111 


Benjamin Hurd, 


52 


Widow Henley, 


112 


Richard Devens, 


53 


Joseph Hurd, 


113 


Benjamin Mirick, 


54 


Est. of John Stanton, 


114 


Amos Tufts, 


55 


Est. of James Russell, 


115 


Andrew Kettell, 


62 


Giles Alexander, 


116 


Richard Boylston, 


63 






PEWS IN TH 


E GALLEKY. 




Joseph Parker, 


No. 117 


Aaron Putnam, 


No. 136 


Jabez Stevens, 


118 


Joseph Sweetser, 


137 


Jonathan Lock, 


119 


James Call, 


138 


Joseph Brown, 


120 


John Larkin, 


139 


Neheiniah Wyman, 


121 


John Harris, 


140 


William Newhall, 


122 


Matthew Bridge, 


141 


John Kdmunds, 


123 


Thomas C. Hayward, 


142 


John Runev, 


124 


William Leathers, 


143 


William Wiley, 


125 


David Edmands, 


144 


Benjamin Hurd, 


126 


.Manning & Mansir, 


145 


Benjamin Hurd, 


I'll 


Nicholas Brown, 


158 


Parish, 


L32 


Isaac Pratt, 


159 


Joseph Hurd, 


133 


Joshua Hooper, 


160 


Mrs. Wallace, 


134 


Josiah Harris, 


161 


Samuel Jaques, 


135 


Parish pew, 


162 



237 

In 1794, a subscription of $744 was raised for the purchase of an 
organ, which was accepted by the parish, and used in public worship 
until the present meeting-house was built. 

In 1809, a "chapel" was erected in the garden of the parsonage, 
" twenty-six feet by twenty-one, and ten and a half feet in the clear ;" 
and the expense defrayed by a subscription on the part of the members 
of the church, amounting to 841 1. 

The bell, which was presented by Champion, Dickason and Burgis, 
being claimed by the selectmen as the property of the town, was 
removed from the belfry of the meeting-house September 25, 1845, 
and surrendered to the selectmen, who caused it to be placed in the 
cupola of the town house. The cause of the removal of the bell by 
the committee of the parish, and the surrender of it to the town, was 
the claim instituted by the selectmen, to the right of entering the 
meeting-house for the purpose of ringing the bell, and repairing the 
clock and bell — a claim which was disallowed by the parish. 



Note 50, page 143. 
FORMATION OF THE PARISH. 

The records of the parish begin with the date of May 20, 1784, 
when the inhabitants of the parish, qualified to vote in town affairs, 
were warned to meet in the meeting-house for the transaction of busi- 
ness, by warrant from Thaddeus Mason, of Cambridge, justice of the 
peace. The reason of the warrant's being given by Mr. Mason was, 
that the parish committee had neglected it so long, that it was out of 
their power to do it legally. 

In the year 1803, a meeting of the " freeholders, and other inhabi- 
tants in the first parish qualified to vote in parish affairs," was held in 
the town hall, " to take into consideration the petition of John Lar- 
kin and others, inhabitants of the first parish in Charlestown, and 
members of the first religious society in said town, praying that the 
holders of pews in the meeting-house in which they worship, may be 
made a body corporate, with power to make assessments on the pews 
in said house, for the repairing of the same, and the support of the 
teacher of said society." A committee was appointed to oppose said 
petition, by a vote of 157 to 88. Nothwithstanding this opposition, 
the act of incorporation was passed March 5, 1803. Upon the organ- 
ization of the parish by the act of incorporation, a list, consisting of 
238 names, was prepared, comprising all the persons who, agreeably 
to the provisions of that act, were members of the first parish in the 
town of Charlestown. An act in addition to the act of 1803, was 
passed in 1812, and still another in 1822. 



238 

Note 51, page 148. 

THE TABLET. 

A tablet, bearing the following inscription, is placed in the ves- 
tibule of the church. 

IN MEMORY OF 

THE PASTORS AND TEACHERS OF THIS CHURCH. 

THOMAS JAMES, 

Born ; grad. Cam. Univ. Ens;., Eman. Coll. A. B. 1614, A. M. 

1618; ins. Nov. 2, 1032; dis. March 11, 1636. 

ZECHARIAII SYMMES, 

Born, Canterbury, Eng. ; grad. Cam. Univ. Eng., Eman. Coll. A. B. 1620; 

ins. Dec. 22, 1634 ; died Feb. 4, 1671, aet. 72. 

JOHN HARVARD, 

Born ; grad. Cam. Univ. Eng., Eman. Coll. A. B. 1631, A. M. 1635 

adm. to chh. Nov. 6, 1637 ; died Sept. 14, 1G3S. 

THOMAS ALLEN, 

Born, Norwich, Eng. ; grad. Cam. Univ. Eng , Caius Coll. A. B. 1627, A. M. 1631, 

ins. 1639, dis. 1651, died Sept. 1673, aet. 65. 

THOMAS SHEPARD, 

Born, London, Eng.; grad. Harv. C )11. 1653 ; ord. April 13, 1659; died 
Dec. 22, 1677, a;t. 43. 

THOMAS SHEPARD, Jr. 

Born, Charlestown ; grad. Harv. Coll. 1676; ord. May 5, 1630; died 

June 7, 1685, aet. 27. 

CHARLES MORTON, 

Born, Pendavy, Eng. ; grad. Ox. Univ. Eng. ; ins. Nov. 5, 1686 ; died 

April 11, 1698, aet. 72. 

SIMON BRADSTREET, 

Born, New London, Ct. ; grad. Harv. Coll. 1693 ; ord. Oct. 26, 1698; 

died Dec. 31, 1741, set. 72. 

JOSEPH STEVENS, 

Born, Andover; grad. Harv. Coll. 1703; ord. Oct. 13, 1713; 

died Nov. 16, 1721, aet. 39. 

HULL ABBOT, 
Born, Boston, Grad. Harv. Coll. 1720, ord. Feb. 5, 1724, died April 18, 1774, aet. 72. 

THOMAS PRENTICE, 

Born, Cambridge; grad. Harv. Coll. 1726; ins. Oct. 3, 1739; died 

June 17, 17S2, a;t. 80. 

JOSHUA PAINE, 

Born, Sturbridge; grad. Harv. Coll. 1784 ; ord. January 10, 1787; 
died Feb. 27, 1788, set. 25. 

All of whom, except Thomas James and Thomas Allen, who returned to England, 

died in the ministry of this chinch, ami were interred in 

the ancient burying ground of this town. 

Whose faith follow, — considering the end of their conversation : Jesus Christ, the 
same yesterday and to-day and forever. Heb. xiii. 7. 8. 



239 

Note 52, page 150. 
INSTALLATION OF REV. DR. MORSE. 

Dr. Morse had been ordained in 1780, in New Haven, Ct. as an 
Evangelist, to take the place of Rev. Dr. Holmes, afterwards of Cam- 
bridge, who had received a similar ordination the year before in the 
same place, for the purpose of taking the pastoral care of a Congrega- 
tional church in Midway, Ga. 

The churches invited to the council of installation were nine, viz : 
the church in Brookline, Rev. Joseph Jackson ; in Sturbridge, Rev. 
Joshua Paine ; Cambridge, Rev. Timothy Hilliard ; Boston, Rev. 
Jeremy Belknap, Rev. Peter Thatcher, Rev. John Eliot, Rev. Joseph 
Eckley ; Medford, Rev. David Osgood ; and Woodstock, Ct. Rev. 
Eliphalet Lyman. Dr. Belknap's sermon was published at the request 
of the parish, together with the charge by Mr. Jackson, and the right 
hand of fellowship by Mr. Osgood. 

The churches invited to attend the council convened for the ordina- 
tion of Mr. Paine, were the churches in Sturbridge, Rev. Joshua 
Paine ; in Brookfield, Rev. Mr. Fisk ; Brookline, Rev. Mr. Jackson ; 
Cambridge, Rev. Mr. Hilliard ; Medford, Rev. Mr. Osgood ; Boston, 
Rev. Mr. Thacher, and Rev. Mr. Eliot. The president, professors, 
and tutors of Harvard College, and ministers of all denominations, of 
the town of Boston, were invited to dine with the ordaining council. 



Note 53, page 151. 
HARVARD AND WINTHROP CHURCHES. 

The second or "Harvard Church" was formed March 26, 1817. 
Their first minister, Rev. Thomas Prentiss was ordained March 26, 
1817, and died October 5, 1817, at the age of 25. Their second 
minister, Rev. James Walker, D. D., was settled April 15, 1818, and 
was dismissed 1839, having been elected Professor of Moral Philoso- 
phy in Harvard University. The Rev. George E. Ellis, their present 
pastor, was ordained March 11, 1840. 

The third Congregational or " Winthrop Church," is orthodox in 
faith, and was gathered January 9, 1833. Thirty-four persons, four- 
teen of whom were males, were dismissed from this church, for the 
purpose of being organized by a council into a new church. Their 
first minister, Rev. Daniel Crosby, was installed August 14, 1833, and 
died February 28, 1843, in the 44th year of his age, having resigned 
his pastoral charge about a year before his death. Their present 
pastor, Rev. John Humphrey, was ordained November 30, IS42. 

The other churches in this town, are three Baptist, a Universalist, 
Methodist, Roman Catholic, Free-will Baptist, and Episcopalian. 



240 

Note 54, page 158. 
DR. MORSE. 

Dr. Morse was born in Woodstock, Ct., and graduated at Yale 
College, in 1783. In the summer after his dismission from this church, 
he received a commission from the President to travel umong the 
Indian tribes of the Western Country for the purpose of ascertaining 
their actual condition. His report to the Secretary of War, having 
been submitted to Congress, was published at New Haven, in 1822, 
under his own inspection. He died in New Haven, June 9, 1826. 
As an author he was greatly distinguished by his geographical works, 
and his other publications were numerous. I have been informed by 
S. F. B. Morse, Esq., that his brother Richard is now engaged in 
preparing a biography of his father. 



Note 55, page 158. 

PRESENT MEETING-HOUSE. 

The cost of this edifice was $17,435 77, not including the mate- 
rials of the old house, much of which was sound and valuable. The 
building is 78 feet long and 68 feet wide. 



Note 56, page 159. 
SACRAMENTAL FURNITURE. 

In the year 1800, the sacramental furniture of the church consisted 
of 4 flagons, 14 tankards, 1 cup, 1 bason, and 1 spoon, all of silver, 
and also 8 pewter dishes and 2 table cloths. Of these, 3 flagons, 
7 tankards, and 4 pewter dishes, not having been used for many 
years, were sold, and the proceeds loaned to the town of Charlestown, 
to be again invested in plate for the use of the communion table, at 
the pleasure of the church. 

As a part of the plate sold was given to the church by Richard 
Sprague, Esq. and Airs. Stevens, the name of Mrs. Stevens was in- 
scribed on one of the tankards belonging to the church; and on the 
bottom of the tankard then in use, and given by Richard Sprague, 
Esq., the following inscription was engraved : " This tankard, with 
throe large flagons, were given to the church in Charlestown by 
Richard Sprague, Esq. a liberal benefactor to the church and poor of 
said town, A. I). 1703. The flagons not being needed for sacramen- 
tal uses, were sold by vote of the church, June 17, 1800, and the 
property voted in a town note. See Church Book, No. 1, page 58, 
and Church Book, No. 2, page 31." 



241 

Reference is made in Church Records ii. 32, to a volume in folio, in 
which was written " a full account of the proceedings of the church 
and the reasons on which they were founded." This volume appears 
to have been lost. 

On the handle of one of the small tankards sold, were the letters 
S. T. A., the initials of a giver unknown; and these letters were 
transferred to a tankard belonging to the church, and then in use. 

The pieces of sacramental furniture, now in the possession and use 
of the church, are as follows : 

2 tankards. " The gift of Capt. Richard Sprague." 

2 do. " R. -f R. to C. C." 

1 do. " C. + 1763." " The gift of Mrs. Abigail Stevens to the 
church in Charlestown." 

1 do. " The gift of Capt. John Miller to the church of Christ in 
Charlestown, 1793." 

1 do. " C. -f C. 17C3." 

1 cup. " Ex dono Mrs. Elisa. Smith to the church of Christ, April 
12, 1717." 

1 spoon. « C. C." 

1 bason. " Hocce lavacrum Ecclesias Charlstoniensi Nov. Anglia. 
in baptismi usum dedicat Henricus Phillips, I mo. Maii. 1726." 

1 table cloth. 

The following " statement of property belonging to the church of 
Christ in Charlestown," was made January 1, 1788, by James Russell, 
Samuel Henley, and Joseph Hurd — a committee raised for the pur- 
pose — and is the earliest I find on record. 

" One lot of land at Walnut-tree Hill, 14 acres, rented to Jona. 
Teel, for which he gave a note £4 4. 

" One ditto in Range-way, 12 acres, 1 rented to Mr. Peter Tufts 
for £2 8. 

" One ditto in Three Pole lane, about 6 acres, the rent of which for 
this year was given to Dea. Frothingham, by a vote, for his trouble." 

Bonds, notes and accounts, viz : 

" James Adams and William Lawrence note of hand, dated No- 
vember 19, 1787, ,£38. 

" John Edmand's bond, with a mortgage, settled to June 19, 1787, 
£51 3. 

" Aaron and Jona. TeeFs bond, £20. 

" Jona. Teel's note of hand, April 12, 1789, £6. 

" Estate of Dea. John Frothingham, the balance of his accounts, 
£35 4 7. 

" Estate of Samuel Hutchinson, the balance settled to June 9, 
1787, £15 1 7. 

" Estate of William Hunnewell, the balance, £8 18 2." 

1 This land was sold by vote of the church, 1833, "for the benefit of the Boston and 
Lowell Corporation." The new church in JSomerville now stands upon this lot. 

31 



242 

Note 57, page 159. 
THE RUSSELL FAMILY. 

The ancestor of this distinguished family was the Hon. Richard 
Russell, who came from Herefordshire in England, in 1640, at the 
age of 29, and settled in this place. He was one of the most eminent 
merchants of his time, and died at the age of 65, in 1676, possessed 
of a large estate. He bequeathed to this town a valuable farm lying 
in Lynnfield, the income of which was to be distributed among the 
poor of Charlestown, at the discretion of the selectmen and deacons. 
He gave also two other lots of land to the town, the income of one of 
which he appropriated for the support of school education ; the other 
for the relief of the poor of the church, to be distributed by the dea- 
cons. He gave also handsome legacies to the then ministers of Bos- 
ton, Charlestown, Cambridge, Watertown, Newton, Roxbury, and 
Dorchester. 

Hon. James Russell, eldest son of Richard, was born in Charles- 
town, October 4, 1640, and succeeded his father in his mercantile 
profession and in his public offices. He died April 28, 1709. 

His son, the Hon. Daniel Russell, was born November 30, 1685, 
and died December 6, 1763. The following character of this excel- 
lent man was written immediately after his death: " The Hon. Daniel 
Russell, for upwards of twenty years, was a member of his majesty's 
council for this province ; he also served the province as commissioner 
of impost, and the county of Middlesex as treasurer, for more than 
fifty years ; in the discharge of all which offices, such was his con- 
scientious fidelity and unsullied integrity, as procured him universal 
approbation and esteem in public and private life. His whole conduct 
was such as evidently showed his invariable desire and endeavor to 
preserve a conscience void of offence, both towards God and towards 
man ; and by the rectitude of his behavior, to adorn and recommend 
the holy religion which he professed, and to approve himself to the 
all-searching eye of the Father of Spirits. His memory is greatly 
honored by all who were acquainted with him, in whose esteem he 
was truly that noblest work of God, an HONEST .max. It is observa- 
ble, that in all the several offices which he sustained, he succeeded his 
worthy father and grandfather, both of whom held and discharged the 
.same, for a great number of years, with unspotted reputation." 

The, Hon. James Etussell, second son of Daniel, was born in 
Charlestown, August 5, 1715. His mother was the only daughter of 
the Hon. Charles Chambers. His wile was the daughter of Hon. 
Thomas Graves, whom he married at the age of 23, and with whom 
he lived nearly forty years. He died April 24, 1798, in the 63d year 
of his age. From the sermon preached by Dr. Morse, the Sabbath 
after Mr. Russell's death, we learn that be bore a most exemplary 
character, and this is amply attested by many still living who remem- 
ber him. He was singularly attached to his native town, and in some 
instances he made the interests of his own family subordinate to those 
of the town. He was distinguished, like his ancestors, by his chari- 
ties to the poor ; and was much occupied in devising and executing 



243 

plans for their good. The last public business in which he was en- 
gaged, was to disembarrass some valuable legacies bequeathed to the 
poor of the town, which had during the war become mixed with other 
funds, for which business no other person possessed so competent 
information, and by which he restored and secured to the poor a 
handsome and regular income. His great object was to do good, and 
he was continually devising liberal things. "Of this," says Dr. 
Morse, " I myself have been a frequent witness. After I had taken 
my last leave of him, previous to my late journey, he said to me, ' I 
have been thinking of a plan for the benefit of the poor of this town, 
which I will communicate to you when you return.' " Dr. Morse did 
not return, however, before his death, so that he had no opportunity 
of knowing what the plan he contemplated was, but says that it origi- 
nated in liis mind from reading Count Rumford's essays. He was 
also warmly enlisted in behalf oi* the cause of education, both in the 
town and state, in private schools and in public seminaries. He was 
a great advocate for social libraries, particularly for the use of the 
clergy 1 in the country ; and often expressed a wish that gentlemen of 
property and benevolence would bequeath legacies for such establish- 
ments. Mr. Russell was also, says his pastor, " a professor, and a 
sincere, influential and uniform friend and supporter of the Christian 
religion. The religious duties of the Sabbath, of the family, and the 
closet, he regularly and devoutly performed. He not only believed, 
but he exemplified in his practice the religion which he professed. 
And he experienced its comforts and supports in every period of his 
life, and particularly in his last sickness, which he endured with a 
calmness and resignation well-becoming a good man. Two things he 
particularly desired, that he ' might not outlive his usefulness,' and 
that he ' might have an easy death.' In both, his desires were com- 
pletely fulfilled. His judgment, memory, health, and social powers 
continued, in a remarkable degree, unimpaired till a few weeks before 
his death. His sickness was short, and not extremely painful ; and 
when the time of his departure arrived, without a groan or a struggle, 
he fell asleep." 

Hon. Thomas Russell, the second son of James, was born in 
Charlestown, April 7, 1740, and died in Boston, April 8, 1796. He 
was the fifth generation in the mercantile profession, and became the 
first, or one of the first merchants in America. The sermons of Dr. 
Thacher and Dr. Morse, on occasion of his death, and the eulogy by 
Dr. Warren, afford ample testimony to the excellencies of his charac- 
ter, Although abounding in wealth, and surrounded by the most dis- 
tinguished characters of his own and other countries, there was nothing 
haughty or assuming about him. By his affability, easiness of access, 
and engaging condescension, he possessed his immense fortune unen- 
vied, and was universally lamented in death. At a time when infidelity 
was fashionable, and neglect of religion common, he was not ashamed 
publicly to profess religion ; and he ever maintained a firm, but unos- 



i I am happy to state that a good beginning has been made for a Pastor's library, in the 
generous donation by James Hunnewell, Esq., of the Massachusetts Historical Society's Col- 
lection, in twenty -five volumes, for the use of the pastor of the church. These volumes have 
been of very essential service in the preparation of these lectures. 



244 

tentatious adherence to his religious principles. By birth, education, 
and residence for many years, as well as by ancestral recollections, he 
was attached to this town, and was intending shortly to become an 
inhabitant, and spend the evening of his days in it. 

The following interesting facts respecting the manner in which Mr. 
Russell acquired his property, are derived from Dr. Warren's eulogy. 
Having obtained his mercantile education under Mr. Thomas Green, 
an honorable and distinguished merchant of Boston, he went to Que- 
bec in 1759, where he received a consignment, by which he made 
considerable profit. In 1762, when war existed between France and 
Great Britain, and the ocean was infested with French privateers, he 
embarked with a cargo for the West Indies, and was persuaded to take 
a letter of introduction to a French gentleman in Martinico, which he 
received with indifference, as the island was in possession of the 
French, and he was bound to another port. He was captured, how- 
ever, on his voyage, and carried into Martinico. All his property fell 
into the hands of the enemy, and he was subjected to severe confine- 
ment. Whilst in custody, the circumstance of the letter occurred to 
his mind, and he was permitted to visit the gentleman to whom it was 
directed. No sooner had he perused it, than, being in a situation of 
authority, he obtained Mr. Russell's release, and offered him his own 
house as an asylum from injury. Nor did his friendly offices terminate 
here. He loaned him a sum of money, with a part of which Mr. 
Russell was able greatly to relieve the misfortunes of his fellow pris- 
oners. And this, together with another sum belonging to his father, 
which happened at that time to be placed in the West Indies, and a 
strong recommendation from the same friend, enabled him to enter into 
a very lucrative trade, and thus laid the foundation of his subsequent 
success. But as if Providence had determined to give him an early 
lesson of the precarious nature of property, a vessel and cargo was 
consigned to him from New England and disposed of for bills on a 
house in Great Britain. Soon after his return to this country, he 
found the bills protested, and being himself the endorser, he had every 
reason to suppose himself ruined. Mr. Russell immediately embarked 
for London, and obtained an interview with the drawer, who, out of 
regard for Mr. Russell, from the fairness and honesty he discovered in 
his dealings with him, immediately adopted such measures as secured 
him against loss. This occurrence, like most of his apparent misfor- 
tunes, turned out to his advantage, by leading him to an acquaintance 
with a house of great credit and eminence in England. The acknowl- 
edgements which Mr. Russell afterwards had an opportunity of making 
to that firm, under the heavy losses which they had suffered, exhibited 
the singular phenomenon of a European house, deriving in its estab- 
lishment, a powerful support from the capital of an American mer- 
chant, The generous feelings of Mr. Russell's heart were also 
gratified, by a providential circumstance, which enabled him to repay 
the interposition of his French friend, to a son or other relative of his 
benefactor. On his return from England, Mr. Russell opened a store 
in Boston, but soon after removed, and carried on his business in 
Charlestown. At the beginning of the Revolutionary war, lie was 
possessed of a handsome fortune, bul losl a part of it in the destruction 
of the town. During his exile, he resided in Dunstable, and again 



245 

became an inhabitant of Boston, after the evacuation of the town by 
the British troops. Mr. Russell, improving the advantages accruing 
from the independence of the country, entered feargely into commerce^ 
he sent the first ship ever employed by any individual of the United 
States, in the trade to Russia ; and was also largely concerned in the 
East India commerce. 

Besides Thomas, the children of James and Katharine Russell were 
ten. Charles, the eldest, born January 7, 17:59, was a respectable 
physician, and died at Antigua, May '27, 1780. Chambers Russell 
was born December 3, I7.V>, was educated a merchant, and died at 
Charleston, South Carolina, an amiable and rising character, March 
1(3, 1793. Margaret Russell, born December 7, 1751, and married to 
John Codman, Esq., merchant, of Boston, was a most benevolent and 
excellent woman, and died at Boston, March 12, 1789. She became 
the mother of Rev. Dr. Codman, of Dorchester. 1 



Note 58, page 160. 

DEA. FROTHINGHAM AND DEA. MILLER. 

In connection with Dea. Larkin, it was my intention to insert some 
notices of these truly excellent men. I have not, however, been able 
to find any biographical or obituary notices of them, and I distrust my 
power of conveying the impression which has been left upon my 
mind by what I have heard respecting them. Dea. Frothingham was 
a man of grave deportment and sterling integrity. The weekly church 
prayer-meeting was held in his house for a period of twenty years. 
Dea. Miller was distinguished for the cheerfulness of his disposition 
and the alacrity with which he engaged in works of charity. As a 
member and officer of the church, he was greatly beloved. Possessed 
of the social virtues in an eminent degree, he was fond of visiting his 
fellow members in the church ; and his visits were always looked for 
with interest, and remembered with pleasure. I have been very much 
impressed by the manner in which all classes of the community — the 
old and the young — the serious and the gay — and even the irreligious 
speak of him. He seems to have won the esteem, and in no small 
degree, the affection of all. He lived without reproach, and died with- 
out an enemy — an excellent example for office-bearers in the house of 
God. " They that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to 
themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in 
Christ Jesus." 



A paper, bearing the title of " Alford Memoir," furnished by the late 
Joseph Tufts, Esq., of Charlestown, has been loaned me by Rev. Dr. Jenks ; 
and from it I am permitted to make the following extracts. 

The Honorable John Alford, Esq., commonly called Col. Alford, died in 
Charlestown, October 1, 17(51, aged seventy-six. His mansion house stood 

1 The above note is a compilation from the sermons of Dr. Morse, and Dr. Warren's 
eulogy. 



246 

at the corner on the northwest side of the road that leads from the Concord 
road to Maiden bridge. The house was large and elegant. It stood a little 
back from the road, and in front uf it was a flower-garden, enclosed with a 
brick wall with a wooden fence on the top of it. A person, then a child, 
recollects gathering tulips and other flowers among the ruins of the house. 
An ancient mulberry tree near by, on the land of Mr. Archibald Babcock, i3 
now the only remnant of this once splendid seat. 

Col. Alford owned upwards of seven thousand acres of land in the county 
of Gloucester, in New Jersey. From his having accounts to settle with 
people of London, it is probable he was a merchant. lie bequeathed up- 
wards of £(i00 to Harvard College, and also £400 to New Jersey College. 
Besides the funds on which is founded the professorship in Harvard College, 
he gave $!>,000 exclusively for the instruction and 'gospelizing of the 
Indians.' l A sum was also left for charities, to be distributed by Rev. Dr. 
Cooper and others; and accordingly, the executor paid £20 to Rev. Mr. 
Webster, of Salisbury, whose house was burnt ; to a man who suffered 
by lightning, £2; and £7 10 to Rev. Ezra Carpenter, 'a poor minister.' 
Judge Trowbridge and Richard Carey were executors to Mr. Alford's will, 
but the latter only acted, taking advice of the former. A letter of John 
Locke, the celebrated author of the " Essay on the Understanding," written 
to John Alford, Esq., father of Col. Alford, is published in the Christian Dis- 
ciple, for July, 1818. 



The following extracts from Sewall's manuscript journal, communicated to 
me by my kind friend Rev. Samuel Sewall, are too interesting to be omitted, 
and are therefore introduced, although out of their proper place. 

" October 13, 1703. Capt. Richard Sprague is buried. Mr. Russell, Capt. 
Hayman, Capt. Belcher, Mr. Leverett, Capt. Cary, Capt. Fowl, bearers. Is 
buried in Mr. Morton's tomb. I was there. Most of the scholars, Joseph for 
one. My gloves were too little. I gave them him. Governor there. 

" 1717, August 20. Went to the funeral of Mrs. Mary Hayman, whose 
maiden name was Anderson. Her first husband's name was Lynde, by whom 
she had Mrs. Toft (Tufts ?) ; her second, Rev. Thomas Shepard, by whom 
she had Mrs. Smith; her third husband was Samuel Hayman, Esq., whose 
widow she was: died in the sixty-seventh year of her age. Was buried in 
her husband's (Shepard's)tomb, which she built for him as I was told. Bearers, 
John Usher, Esq., Elisha Hutchinson, Esq.; Samuel Sewall, Edward Brom- 
field, Esq.; Mr. Leverett, president, John Clark, Esq. Has the reputation of 
a pious gentlewoman. 

" 1725, Monday, May 24. Went to Charlestown, where I heard of the 
death of Madam Bradstreet. Tuesday, May 25. Went to Madam Brad- 
street's funeral. Bearers, Dr. Mather, Mr. Column ; Mr. Nathaniel Williams, 
Mr. Peter Thacher, of Boston ; Mr. Appleton, Mr. Abbot. Mr. Bradstreet 
thanked me as he went from the grave. Madam Russell shewed me great 
curtesie. I went and sat in her house before I went to the house of mourn- 
ing. Mr. Column and Webb came in and sat with me. Had gloves at the 
funeral. Cousin Wendell rode home with me in my calash, being somewhat 
lame." 



' .' Mass. Hist. Coll. 11.46. 



CATALOGUE 



ADMISSIONS TO FULL COMMUNION. 



[This list embraces all the names on recorJ previous to the settlement of Dr. Morse in 1789.] 



day, 

6. 
20. 
27. 

5. 

2. 

9. 

9. 
15. 
22. 
29. 
25. 

I. 





31. 




30. 




12. 




27. 


1. 


10. 


4. 


14. 


6. 


23. 


«. 


30. 


9. 


21. 


Id. 


6. 


11. 


4. 


11. 


10. 


12. 


4. 


12. 


13 


12. 


21. 


2. 


3. 


(i. 


So 


7. 


13 


10. 


5. 


10. 


12. 


11. 


8 



K. 21. 



1632. 
William Learned and Goodith his wife. 
William Brakenbury. 
Alice Molton. 
Anne Riakenbury. 
Jane Alolton. 
Elias Maverick. 

1633. 
Edward Jones. 

John Woolrych and Sarah his wife. 
William Stilson and Elizabeth his wife. 
John Greene and Perseverance his wife 
Jonathan Wade and Susanna his wife. 
Walter Pamer and Rebeckah his wife, 

and Grace Pamer their daughter. 
Daniell Shepheardson. 
Edward Carrinton. 
Richard Kettell and Hester his wife. 
George Whitehand. 
William Baker. 
Alice Pemberton, Doroty Dade, Jone Ba 

ker. 
Edmond Hubbard, Jr., with Elizabeth his 

wife. 
Abraham Mellows and Martha his wife 

and Edward Mellows their son, and 

Edmond Hubbard, Senior. 
James Tomson and Elizabeth his wife. 
Beniamine Hubbard and Alice his wife. 
Elizabeth Atvvood and Mary Snell. 
Josuah Hubbard and Rebeckah his sister 

1634. 
James Brown and Hester Morris. 
Elizabeth Blown. 
John Mowsall and his wife. 
William Nash and Mary his wife, Thomas 

Goble and Alice his wife, and Sarah 

Oakely. 
Jone Stuttin and Anne Haukes. 
Mr. Zacharias Symmes and Sarah his wife 
Elishua Crowe, John Blacke and Susanna 

his wife. 

William llacheller and Elizabeth Peerce. 
Thomas Lynde and Marserite his wife. 
William Johnson and Elizabeth bis wife 
Thomas Peerce, Georg Buncker, Eliza- 
beth Russell and John Sybley with 

Sarah his wife. 

1635. 
Alice Chubbuck and Millicent Sprague. 
Mr. Peeter Hubbord. 
Margery Eames and James Haydon. 
Banna Mellows and Miles Rostov?, with 

Marcia his wife, and Thomas Brigden 

with Tomazin bis wife. 
Sarah Ewer. 
Elizabeth Davis, Mary Haukins, Alice 

Rand, Susanna Halsteed and Thomas 

Ewer. 
Mary Richeson. 



ii: y 



11. 8. 



12. 10. 



7. 23. 



1636. 

Robert Haukins, Robert Long, Georg 
Htipbourn, Mary Jerfreis, Elizabeth 
Long, Judith Bunker. 

Thomas Michell and Anne his wife. 

Joseph Kitcherin, Thomas Caitar, Phillip 
Drinker and Mary Gould. 

Winifred Harrod and Alice Wicks. 

Robert Sedgwick with Joanna Sedgwick. 
1 637. 

Hennery Smith and Dorothy Smith. 

John Harvard and Anna Harvard his wife 
with Robert Cultler 

Samuel! and Thomas Richcsson and Abi- 
gail Maverick. 

1638. 

John Gould, William Johnson, and John 
Brimsmead with Anna Jones. 

Steeven Fosdick, Hanna Heipbourne, 
Elizabeth Drinker, Rebeccah Cutlerand 
Joannah Haule. 

Isaak Cole and Joanna Colo, James Gar- 
ret and Deborah < ■ irret, Katherin Coyt- 
more, and Sarah I'osdike with Marge- 
rite Lewis. 

Beth Switzer, Elizabeth Taylor and Jo- 
anna Larkin. 

1639. 

W 7 illiam Sargeant, Josuah Tydd and 
.Mary Norton. 

Sarah Sargeant. 

Thomas Martin and Rebeckah Trarice. 

Abraham Hill with Martha Coytmore. 

John Martin, Rebeckah Maitin, Hannah 
Cartar and Sarah Lary. 

Sarah Tydd, Jone Richeson, Bethia Swit- 
zer and Mary Leach. 

John Penticnst with Joanna Penticost. 

Edward Larkin, William Phillips with 
Mary Phillips. 

Thomas Graves, Katherin Graves, Anna 
Maverick with Mary Eaglcsfeild. 

John Caule, Mary Brim 

Francis Willoughby and Mary Wil- 
loughby. 

Thomas Allen and Jane Smith. 

Elizabeth Felt. 

Maty Cole, Joseph Hill, Rose Hill, and 
Susanna Seers. 

Thomas Coytmore and Bennitt Caule. 
1640. 

Thomas Wilder and Edward Wood. 

Ruth Wood, Richard Robbing, with Re- 
beckah Robins. 

John Baker. 

Sarah Baker, Thomas Gould and Hannah 
Gould. 

Augustin Walker, John Palmer, Anna 
Smith and Elizabeth Hancock. 



248 



mo. day. 16 4 1. 

1. 28. John Seers arid William Palmer. 

2. 4. Lambert Sutton. 

2. II. .Mary Burrage and Anna Walker. 

3. 22. John Allen, Richard EusselJ and Maud 

Russell. 

3. 30. Richard took. 
5. 5. Susanna Jones. 

31. John Weightman, Elizabeth Broun and 
Joanna Wood. 
11. 15. Richard Lowden and Sollomon Phips. 
11. 28. Anna James and Elizabeth Sawfoid. 

1642. 
2. 10. John Burrage and Francis Norton. 

2. 17. John Scott, John Green and Sarah Symm 

3. 15. John .March, Gardy James and mother 

Phips. 

29. Rebeck&h March and Elizabeth Chamber- 
Si 30. William Wallis, Isaak Wheeler, Susanna 
Weightman, Ellenur Cary, Murgerite 
Hurst, Suretrust Rous, Elizabeth 
Greene, Sarah Beel, and Ledy Harris. 
1643. 

2. 13. Eliz'iheth Haukins, Anna Jatpue and Eliz- 

abeth Pitts. 
5. 1. Matbew Smith and Faithfull Rous. 

8. William Smith. 
9. 4. William Green, Thomas Lynde, Ralph 

W'oorey, Faintnot Winds, Ellinor Mi 

lior, Sarali Allen, Sarah .Nichols, and 

Mary < artar. 
9. 30. Abraham Haukins, Sarah Cooke, Snrah 

Kitcherin, Peircis Bridges, Mary Ilad- 

Iock, and ould goodwil'e Grover. 

10. 9. Elizabeth Cooper, Margery Rand, Mercie 

Rous, Elizabeth Harrington and Abra- 
ham Jaquitfa 

1644. 
7. 10. Nathaniell Hadlocke, Thomas Osbom, 
John Lewis, Hopestill Mirick, Eliza- 
beth Grover. Elizabeth Wood ami Sarah 
Hill. 

1645. 
5. 1. Francis Wheeler, Mary Shawe, Alice 
Barnaid, Katherin Warl'e, Bridget 
Winds, Samuel Carter and Mihell 
Smith. 

1646. 

11. 15. Robert Chalkley, Thomas Tartar, ion. 

.lames Greene, Mary Aewell and John 
Waite. 

12. 7. Mary Gwin. 

1647. 

3. 3. James Cary, Randoll Nicholls, Manes 

Sally, Edward Harrington, James Pike 
and John Gobe. 

1 648. 

5. 9. Samuel Haward, Sarah Ilaward, Esther 

Jenner, Mary Sally, Mary Symms and 
Reheckah Graves. 
1650. 

2. 12. Richard Slower. Jacob Green, Thomas 

Welsh, John Tucky, Mary Orton. Eliz 
nbeth Bheppy and Hannah l.udkin. 

3. 7. Margery Knight, Anna Wilder and 

Cartar. 

1652. 
1. 14. Joanna Davison, Sarah Broune, Joanna 

Btowei and Roger Morgan 
21. Bteeven Streeter. Ursula Streeter, John 

( lough, .lone CloUgb, TIhicii.is Gould, 
Hanna Gould, John Pool and Mary 

Foule, Lawrence Mmn, Mm Cuttin, 
Guilder Kilmonds and Horothy Edmoud 

6. 15. Willi.un Foster. 
2?. John Peirce. 

7.23. Anne Foster, Mary Gibhs, Sarah Smith 
ami Elizabeth Bymms. 

9. 27. John Culler, Anna Cutler, Elizabetl 
Trumhle, Mary Ridguay and Hiildal 
Symms. 
10. 4. Genrtruid Spencer, Mary Fosdiko and 
Joanna Long. 



5. 


18. 


6. 


22. 

•j 'J. 




29. 


8. 


3L 


9. 


20. 


9. 


20. 


'J. 


29. 



mo. day. 1655. 

12. 21. Mary Russell and Joanna Greene. 
1K56. 
I. 9. Samuell Nowell, Rebeckah Booth, Kath- 
eiin Roawell, Mary Keuiplhorn, Han- 
nah Griffin, Mary "Nash and Abigail! 
Btobtu. 
6. 9. Samuell Ward, Francis Ward, Jane 
Cloyes, Elizabeth Welsh, Maudluie 
Brazier, Annan Tyngo, Elizabeth 
Clough. Mary Clough, Amy Harris, 

Crouch and Goodwine. 

1658. 

Mis Bunker by a dismis. from chh. 

ot' Wateitown. 
John Hale, and my sonne Zechary Symms. 
•Mr. Mmly and his wife : he by a dismis. 
from Braintiee; she by a dismis from 
Dorchester. 

Brazier, William Crouch and Sibil 

Nult. 
Mr. Thomas Shepard by a dismis. from 
chh. of Cambiidge. 
1K59. 
Rog r A lie and his wife Jane Alie ; by a 

dismis from Weymolh chh. 
Mrs. Mary King. 

1660. 
Abigal, the wife of John Longe, Thomas 
Kami and Sarah his wife, Beniamin 

Bunker, Jennor the wile ofTbomai 

Jennor, Ruhamah tho wife of John 

Knight, the wife of Wilson. 

3. 6. Katharin the wife of John Philips. 

5.29. G. Piiehet, and Anne his wife and 

daughter Templet by a dismis fiom the 
chh. of Christ at Yartnoth, in New Eng- 
land, and the same day also, Mis. John- 
son by a dismis. from a chh. of -\l. in 
Canterbury in Old England Mr. Zechary 
Biigden on the same day, 6. F.dward 
WillKon, Good wife MaithaLalhrop and 
— Biigden, the wife of Thomas Biigden. 
166 I. 
6. 25. Goodman William Clough. 
12. 23. Nathaneel Hutchesnn and Sarai his wife; 

Mary, the wife of bro. Edward U'jllsnn, 
Mis. Mary Green (the wife of bro. Jacob 
Green) and the same day, Thomas Os- 
tium and his » ife bj a letter of dismis- 
sion from the chh. of Christ at Maiden. 
10 2. 
Mr. Laurence Hammond, G. John Call and 
Goodw. Lydia Wood. 
" i 6b4. 

Hannah Call the wife of bro. John Call, 

Susanna Graves and F.I isa belli Kdmunds 

the wife of Josbna Edmunds. 

Mr. John Chickling and Elisabeth his wife 
by a dismission from the chh. of Xt. at 
Dedham. 

Mr-. Deborah Wade (Worshipfull Thomas 
Dudley's daughtei.) 

I B65. 
Mr Thomas Graves, Anne Tnvlor the wifo 
of Richard Taylor, and Ruth Allio (a 

widow) married afterward lo Mr. Knill. 
1666-7. 
Goodman Abraham Smith and Goodwife 
Hannah Huiry. 

Mehitabel Hilton (Worshipfull Increase 

Newel's daughter), and Elizabeth 

Craves ( Worshipfull Richard Uusael's 
daughter.) 

1667. 

8. 13. Abigail Knight (Sister Stower'e daughter), 
Mrs. Margaret Willoughby ami Mr-. 
Abigail Hammond, 

11. 26. •;. John Knight. 

12. 23. G. Thomas Lord by n dismission from the 

church of Christ at Ipswich, G. Alice 

Lord Ins wife. (Sister Kami's daughter) 
and Mary Winslow. (Worshipfull In- 
crease Nowel's daughter.) 



4. 


29. 


2. 


17. 


9. 


6. 


12. 


5. 


7. 


17. 


11. 


6 


12. 


24. 



249 



1668 
Mar. 22. G. Thomas White, Mr. John Heman, Mrs. 
Grace Heman (his wile), Mrs. Martha March, 
G. Peter Frothingham, G. Mary Fiothingha 
(his wife), and G. John Lowdon. 
Mar 29. G. Sarah Lowdon (ill.- wife of bro. John 
Lowdon ahovesaid), Mis Alary EUnsford (Capt 
Allen's daughter), Mr. Jonathan w ade, G. .\H 
thaneel Rand, Mr. James Rnsserl, Mrs. Mabel 
Russell, his wife (Governor Haines, his daughter), 
ar.d G Hannah Perkins, (our sister Mrs. Long': 
daughter.) 
Apr. .'6. G. Sarai Smith, (Thomas Smith, tin 
butcher's wife,) G. Anna Fowl. (bro. Carter in 
field, his daughter, and wife of John Fowl,) Ml 
Sarah Lynd, (Mrs. Davison's daughter,) and 
Elizabeth Norton. 
June 14. Daniel Edmunds and Mary his wife, Mary 
Mousal, (Thomas Mousal's wife,) Abigail Chad 
well, (sometime T Jones the butcher's wile,) 
Mrs Susannah Goose, (Abigail Chadwell 
daughter,) Mrs. Sarah Long, (Ensigne Tid's 
daughter,) G. Grace Sheppy and G. Johu Knight, 
Senior. 
Aug. 9. G. John Founel and Mary Founel his wife, 
by a dismission from the church of Christ at 
Cambrid_ 
Feb. 2f<. Sarah Powel (a widow), afterwards mar- 
ried to Mr. Blaney. 

1668-9. 
Mar. 21. Elizabeth Wire (bro. Johnson's daughter) 
wife of Edward Wire. 

1669. 
May 23. Elizabeth Balcom, (Deacon Haines of 

Sudburie's daughter.) 
Oct. 24. Rev. Mr. Thomas Thatcher, by a letter 

of dismission from the 1st church in Boston. 
Dec. 5. Samuel Pierce. 

Jan. 30. Mary Fowl, (wife of Peter Fowl,) Sarai 
Elson, (daughter of our bro. Mr. Heman,) Eliza- 
beth Roy, (daughter of our bro. Phipps.) 
1670. 
Mar. 27. Nathaneel Cutler, Joseph Frost and Mary 

Pierce, (the wife of Samuel Pierce.) 
April 3. Thomas Chadwell, Martha Smith, (bro. 

Abraham Smith's wife.) 
April 3. Solomon Phips, Jr., Mary Phips his wife, 
(the wotshipful Thomas Danfortb's daughter,) 
Samuel Frothingham, Ruth Frothingham his 
wife, Mary White, the wife of bro. Thomas 
White, Joseph Kettle, Hannah Kettle his wife 
and Samuel Kettle 
June 12. Giles Fifield, Mrs. Prudence Russell, 
Richard Asting, Rachel Bachelour and Abigail 
A' 
Aug. 14. Mr. William Hilton, by a letter of dis- 
mission from church of Christ in Newbury 
Thomas Hale, by a letter of dismission from 
church of Christ in Norwaak, Hannah Frost, 
the wife of bro. Joseph Frost, and daughter of 
Rev. Mr. Miller. 
Nov. 20. Rebeckah Roe 
Jan. 22. Anno Hitt, an ancient widdow, by a letter 

of dismission from the church in Maiden 
Jan. 22. Nathaneel Frothingham and Mary Froth- 
ingham his wife. 

1670-1. 

Mar. 12. Mr. Joseph Lynd, Mary Whittamore, 

(deacon Upham's daughter, of Maiden.) 

167 1 . 

Apr. 23. Mrs. Mehetabel Wellsted, (Mr. Caryes 

daughter.) 
June II. Hannah Edmunds, the wife of John Ed- 
munds. 
Jan 21. Mrs. Mary Marshall, (Mr. Hilton's 
daughter,) Mrs. Rebeckah Jones, (named Sally 
before her marriage ) 

1672. 
Feb 9. Samuel Dowse, Mrs. Abigail Willoughby, 
(Mr. Nehemiah W's wife.) 
1 fi 7 3 . 
April 6. Elizabeth Foski 



June 15. Hannah Dowse, tho wife of Samue 
Dowse, (deacon Ludkiu'a daughter.) 

Sept. 28. Hannah Salter. 

Jan. 25. Dorothe Hilt, the wife of Thomas Hitt. 
1674. 

Mot. 1. Parai Gilbert, (the Rev. Mr. Thomas 
Gilbert's widdow,) by a lettei of dis. from tho 
church of Christ in TopsfieltL 
1675. 

Mar. 21. Mr. Joseph Brown, by a letter of dismis. 
from Salem church, Mrs. Abigail Davison, wife 
of Mr. Daniel Davison. 

May 16. Johu Dowse and Relief Dowse his wife, 
(her father Mr Holland, sometime of Dorches- 
ter,) Mary Dowse, (the daughter of our bro. 

Serj ml Dowse.) 

June 27. Johanna Larkin, the wife of John Larkin 

(formerly deaCOQ Hale's daughter.) 
Aug. 8. Margaret Maverick, ihe wife of Elias 

Maverick. 
Oct. 3. Mrs. Mehetabel Brown, (formerly Mr. 
Brenton's daughter, and '.ho wifo of Mr Joseph 
Brown,) by dismission from the church of Christ 
in Taunton, 

Oct. 3. Elizabeth Larkin, tho wifo of Thomas 
Larkin, Seijeant Dowse's daughter, Elizabeth 
Cutler, the wife of Timothy Culler, cous. Hil- 
ton's daughter, Anna Walker, the wife of John 
Walker, sister Mirick's daughter. 

Dec. 19. Rebekah Mote, ihe wifo of Enoch More. 

Jan. 23. Mr. Thomas Russell, G. Zechariah Fer- 
ris, Mrs. Eunico Sprague, the wife of Mr. 
Richard Sprague, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, tho 
wife of Mr. Daniel Smitjj. 
1676. 

Mar. 12. G. Zechariah Johnson and Elizabeth his 
wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Tuck, (Lieftenant Nichols' 
daughter, and the wife of Mr. Thomas Tuck,) 
Mrs. Esther Carter, the wife of Thomas Carter, 
by a letter of dismission from the church in 
London, of which Mr. Thomas Vincent is pastor, 
G. Martha Goodwin, the wife of Jno. Goodwin, 
and daughter of Benjamin and .Martha Lathrop, 
G. Hannah Bickner, the wife of Samuel Bickner, 
the daughter of our sisler Bell, Mrs. Rebekah 
Allin, the daughter of Capt. Allin, deceased. 

Apr. 16. Mr. Daniel Russell, son of the worship- 
ful Richard Russell, Saiai Cole, the wife of 
Jacob ( lole. 

May 14. Isaac Fowl, John Goodwin, Amethia 
Benjamin, the wife of Abel Benjamin. 

June 11. Mr. John Phillips. 

July 9. Mrs. Sarai Howard, the wife of Nathaniel 
Howard, Major Willard's daughter. 

Dec. 17. Mr. John Blaney, G. James Miller, and 

G. Mary Johnson, the wife of Isaac Johnson. 

1677. 

Mar. 18. Christopher Goodwin and Mercy Good- 
win his wife, the daughter of our sister Crouch. 

Apr. 15. Mary Davis, the wife of Nathaneel 
Davis. 

June 10. Mrs. Susanna Tompson, the wife of Air. 
Benjamin Tompson, Hannah Baxter, the wife of 
Jno. Baxter, Elizabeth Vine, the wife of Wil- 
liam Vine, Sarai Counts, the wife of Edward 
Counts. 

July 1. Mrs. Sarai Goose, the wife of Mr. John 
Goose. 

Aug. 5. Mary Millar, the wife of James Millar, a 
Scotchman. 

Sept. 2. G. Thomas Sheppard, Mrs. Elisabeth 
Knell, the wife of Mr. Jno. Knell, Sami Kverton, 
the wife of VVillm. Everton, the widdow Elisa- 
beth Dean, (bro. Burrage, his daughter.) 

Sept. 23. Mary Knight, the wife of our bro. John 
Knight, Faith Dowse, tho wife of our bro. 
Samuel Dowse, (her father is deacon Jewet of 
Rowley.) 

Oct. 23. " Mr. Isaac Foster, the son of Mr. Willm. 
Foster, Abigail Carter, the wife of Samuel 
Carter, Anna Taibol, tho wifo of Thomas Tar- 
bol, junior. 



Apr. 13. John Kent and Hannah Kent his wife, by Dec. 9. Mary Loman, the wifo of Samuel Leman 
dismission from the church of Christ in Dedham. 

32 



250 



1680. 119. 6. Sarai Burnall, widdow. 

July 4. G. John Guppy and Elisabeth Guppy his 12. 6. Sarai, the wife of Andrew Phillips 

wife, l>v dismission from the church of Christ in 13. 20. William Clutierbuck 

Weymouth. 12- 27. 

Aug. 15. Mr. Samuel Billard, Mary Eades, the 

wife of John Eades, and Sarai Chapman, the 

wife of Thomas Chapman. 
Oct. 17. Mrs. Mary Long, the daughter of Mr. 

Burr, minister of Dorchester, and wife of Mr 

Zochaiiah Long, by virtue of a letter of dismis- 
sion from Newbury. 
Dee. 19. G Jno. Swett, by dismission from New- 
bury chinch. 
Jan. 9. Allire Adams, the wife of G. Thos. Adams. 

Mary Knight the wife of our bro Jno. Knight, 

Saiai Chyrcb, the wife of Cornelius Chyrch, 

Joint Cutler, junior, the son of our Dea. Cutler 
Jan. 3ll. Emme Lynd, the wife of our bro Mr 

Joseph Lynd, Hannah Melvyn, the wife of Jno, IS. 12 

Helvyn, Hannuh Miller, the wife of our bro 

J 080 '' 1 ' { Miller. 

James \ 

1681. 
March 6. Susanna Tarbol (widdow). Elisabeth 11. 13, 

Meade, the wife of Mr. Nicholas Meade, Mary 

Dowse, the wife of Joseph Dowse. I 4. 30 

March 13. Mr. John Long and Mr. Thomas .Tenner 12. 23, 
Apr i 1 3. G. Benjamin Phillips, son of Dea. Phillips 

df Weymouth, G. Jacob Hurd, by dismission; 3. II. John George and Mary his wife. 

from Boston 1st ch. ; 4. 11. Mary, wife of Edward Larkin. 

April 24. G.Sarah Edmister, the wife of , 6. 28. Mrs. Margaret Sheppard. 

by dismission from Reading church, Susannah 10. 14. Mary, daughter ol John Fowle. 

Dammon, by dismission fiom do. 1691. 

June 26. Mr. Nicholas .Meade, Hannah Newell, I 3. 31. Abigail, wife of Mr John Soley 



Samuel Penhallow, Anna, the wife of 
Benjamin Phillips. 
1687. 

John Call, junior, and Martha his wife, 
Samuel Read and Elizabeth his wife, 
Willi mi Metcalf. 

Samuel Lord, Sarai, the wife of Patiick 
Mark, Mary, wife of Paul Wilson, Piis- 
cilla, wife of Thomas Croswell. 

Mary, wife of Caleb Carter. 

Nicholas Morton, (my nephew.) 
7. 25. Timothy Phillips, Hannah, wife of George 
Stedman. 

Samuel Hunting. 

Mary Hale. 

Thomas Sheppard, Jr., Elizabeth Dicker- 
man. 

1688. 

Sarah, wife of John Carter. 

Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Wade, Esq. 

Dorcas, wife of Joseph Pratt. 
1689. 

Mary Davie, widdow, Mercy Mark. 

Benjamin Pierpont. 
1690. 



2. 10. 



3. 
6. 21 



8. 30. 

9. 20. 



2. 8. 

9. 18. 



the wife of Mr. Jos. Newell, Sarai Walters, the 11 

wife of Steven Walters. 
Sept. 11. G. Samuel Blanc-hard. 
Oct 16. G. William Jimmison, Hannah Barret, 

widdow, Mrs. Sarai More, widdow, and the 

daughter of Mr. — Foster, Sarai Pariiek, the 

wife of Mr. . 

1681 -2. 
Jan. 29. G. Thomas Rand, junior, Grace Ireland, 

the wife of John Ireland. 
Feb. 12. Mrs Rebeckah Lynd, widow. 

16 8 2. 
May 7. Jonathan Cary, Deborah Chamberlain 

the wife of . 

June 4. Mrs Elisabeth More, the wife of . 

Oct. 15. Timothy Pratte. 

Nov. 12 Sarai Wallers, the wife of G. Jacob 11. 

Walters. 
Jan. 14. Mary Ryall, the wife of Joseph Ryall, 

Hannah Carv, the wife of Jonathan Cary. 
Jan. 28. Andrew Stimson and Abigail his wife. 

16 8 3. 
Juno 3. Susannah Pike the wife of Joseph Pike. 
June 29 Mrs. Elisabeth Whiting, daughter of thn 

Rev. Mr. Whiting, pastor ot the ch. in Billrecai. 
1684 
Mar. 9. Mr. Samuel Phips, Sarai Knight, wife of, 

our bro. Jno. Knight, by dismission from Boston 

l-i church, Anna Hind, the wile of our bro. Ja- 
cob Hurd, Sarai Rand, the wife of our bro. 

Thomas Hand. 
Mar. 30. Mrs. Lvdia Marshall, the wife of Mr. 

William Marshall. 
May 18. .Mrs. Mary Shepaid, (my wife.) 
Jan. 4. Elisabeth Caiy, daughter of Mrs. Cary 

the widow. 
Feb. 22. G. Jno. Simpson and Abigail his wife 

G. Jonathan Simpson and Wait bis wife. 

IK8S 
Mar. 22. G. Nathaniel Kettle, G. Jonathan Kettle 

May 3. II inn ih Kettle, the wile of our bro. Na- 
thaniel Kettle, Susannah Logyn, the wife of C 
Alexander Logyn. 



10. Joseph Whitlamore, Roger Milliard and 
Experience his wife, Ruth, wife of 
William Everton. 
Ih92. 
1. 6. Moses Cleavehind. 

3. 29. Stephen Kiddar, Margaret Parker, wid- 
dow, Henna, wife of Thomas Walter, 
Ann, wife of Daniel Paiker, Kulh Baker, 
widdow. 
9. 13. Margaiet, daughter of Mr. Joseph Lynde. 
It>94. 

3. 27. Judith, wife of Samuel Tngerston. 

4. 24. Elizabeth, daughter of br. Samuel Loud. 



8. 14. Thomas, [son of] Solomon (deceased), and 

9. 21. 



Mary (widow) Pliips. 
Samuel Hayman, Esq. 



2. 21. 

2. 28. 

3. 19. 

4. 23. 



5. 12. 



8. 


11 


IC. 


31 


1. 


98 


■_>. 


n 



7. 26. 



Mehitabel, widow of Richard Austin, 

deceased. 

1695. 
Urith Nix, widow. 
Mary Webber, widow. 
Mary, wile of Matthew Casewell. 
Mabel, wife of Thomas Hieppy, Sara, 

wife of Archibald Macqueny. 
1696. 
John Mousnll, senior, George Ingerston, 

Samuel Ingersion, Katharine, wife of 

George Ingerston 
John Fosdike, sen'r. Samuel Brackenbury. 
Rebecca, wife of Kbenczer Austin. 

1697. 
Hannah, wife of William Austin. 
Mary Ford, widdow, James Adams, her 

sun in-law. 

Mathew March. 



.Ill milled l o full com mum on bi/ me S. Bradstreet, 

sines Oct. 98, IbUd 
9. 6. William Rand and his wife, the wife of 

loseph Wbllt cue. 

Jan. 1. Sarah, wife of Nathaniel Clovre. 
Jan. 8. Elisabeth, wife of Eilward Walker. 
Jan. 29. Hannah Frost. 



Admitted into full communion by me Charles Feb. 26. Rebekah, wife of William Fossct. 

Mm ton. 1898. 

„o. day liii<ti. Mar. 98. James Turner, Mrs. Cutler, the wife of 

10. 13. ('apt. Richard Sprague, Mrs. Elisabeth! Mr. John Cutler. 

I lotterhuok. April — . Jacob Hurd, the wife of Robert Scot. 

11. 9. Nathaniel Dowso. 'May 16. Mrs. Lydia, wife of Mr. Richard WaiL 



251 



May 21. Mrs. Sarah Newell, wife of Mr. Joseph 

Newell, senior. 
June 18. Hannah, wife of Jamos Turner. 
July 16. Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Hurd. 
Aug. fi. Mrs. Katharine, wife of Mr. Robert 

Knowles. Mrs. Ruili, relict of Mr. John Row. 
Oct 8. Abigail Pierce, Hannah, wife of Samuel 

Counts, the widow Sarah Wheeler. 

Nov. 5. Mrs. Elizabeth Geuners. 

Dec. 24. Mr. Nathaniel Cary and Elizabeth his 

wife. 
Jan. 27. Hannah, wife of Samuel Blunt. 
Mar. 17. Alexander Phillips, Mrs. Abigail Rainer 

17 no 
Apr. 21. Mrs. Rehekah Chambers, Mrs. Sarah 

Foster, Mrs Susanna (.'bickering. 
Sept. 8. 6. Abel Benjamin. 
Feb. 16. Mr. Richard Foster, Dorothy, wife of 

Mr. Nathaniel Dow*. 
Feb. 23. Mr. Jonathan Hows, Abigail wife of An 

drew Mitchel. 
March 23. Joseph Austin. 

1 7 1 . 
Oct. 5. Mr. Jacob Green. 
Nov. 23. Mary, wife of Mr. Joseph Lemmon. 

17D2. 
April 19. Susannah, wife of Alexander Mitchel. 
May 17. Airs. Parnel, wife of Air. Richard Fester 
gep't. 6. Mr. Abraham II all. senior, Mrs. Abigail, 

wife of Mr John Walking 
Nov -J9. Elins Brigden, John Dammon. 
Dec. 27. Relief, wife of Michael Gill, Mary, wifi 

of Simon Bradstieet. 

17 3. 
April 18. Sampson (negroe.) 
June — . Mary, wife of Elisha Doubleday, Mary 

Call. 
July II. Sarah wife of John Edmunds. 
Sept — . Nathaniel lleaton. 
Oct. 3. The widow Hannah Welsh, William 

Oct 30. The wife of Samuel Griffin. 

Robert Cutler, Daniel Badger. 
Widdow Abigail Kettle. 

17 03—4. 
Anna wife of Nathaniel Lord, Sarah 
Frolhingliam. 

1704. 
May 14. Katharin wife of John Tailor, Abigail 

wife of William Kettle. 
July 19. Hannah wife of John Price, Elizabetl 

wife of Benjamin Sweetzer. 
Oct — . Mrs Rebeckah wife of Mr. Isaac Fowl. 
Feb. 18. Mercy Hit. 

1704—5. 
March 18. Mr. Samuel Frolhingham ; the wife of 

John Dammon. 
April 15. Susannah wife of Nathaniel Heaton, 
Abigail Sympson, Deborah Sympson. 
1705. 
May 13. Mary Story. 

Aug. 5. Thomas and (bis wife) Elizabeth Lord 
Sept. 30. Mr. Timothy Cutler, Mr. William 

Kettle. 
Oct. 28. The widdow Susannah Cook. 
Nov. 25. Mr. Eleazer Phillips. 
Jan 20. Mr. Thomas Crossewell, John Frothing 

ham, Joseph Rand. 
Feb. 17. Nathaniel Frothingham and Hannah 
his wife. 

1706. 
April 14. Dorothy wife of John Mousall. 
June 9. Mr. Eleazer Dows and .Mary his wife. 
Sept 1. Mrs. Sarah Sweetzer, wife of Mr. Seth 

Sweetzer, Lucy, wife of Benjamin Phillips. 
Sept. 29. Susannah, wife of John Frothingham. 
Dec. 22. Hannah Welsh. 

17iifi-7. 
Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Sherman. 
Mary, wife of Benj Kettle. 
Sarah wife of John Waters. 
Ruth, wife of Robert Wire, Abigail Cary. 
M r. Ebenezer Austin, Mercy, wife of Mr. 



May 11. Mrs. Martha, wife of Mr. Abraham Hill. 

Juno 8. Mercy, wile of Kobert Foskit. 

July 6. Benjamin Hurd. 

Aug. 3. Mrs Dorcas ( bitty, Katharine Bl.incv. 

Aug. 24. Mrs. Lienor, wife of .Mr. William Wire. 

Aug. 31 Mrs. Johaiuidh, relict of Mr. Samuol 
Everton. 

(let. 26. Mr Jonas Capcn and Hannah bis wife. 
r. 23. Sarah, wife of Joseph Band. 
. 21. V\ ite of William Sheaf, Senior. 
I7U7-8. 

Feb. 15. Mrs. Abigail, wife of Mr. Nicholaus 

Lawrence, Sarub, w ife of Thomas White, Jr. 

1708. 

April 11. Elizabeth Dammon. 

July 4. Susannah, wife of Mr. John Tucker. 

Sept 26. Mr. Jacob Waters. 

Nov. 21. Katharine, wife of Mr. " heopl.ilus Ivory. 

Dec. 19. Mrs. Elizabeth Wade, Experience Sled- 
man. 



Nov. 28. 
Dec. 5. 



Jan. 23. 



1708-9. 
Jan. 16. Sarah, wile of Joseph Mitick. 

1709. 
April 10. Abigail, wife of Air JamesMiller. 
July 31. Anna Hurd 
Sept. 95. Rath, wife of Mr. Jonathan Edmunds, 

Elizabeth, wife of Air. James Capon, Jr. 
Oct. 23. Mrs. Dorothy Trerice. 
Nov. 20. Margarit, wife of Air. Robert Ward, 
Mary, wife of Amos Stnry. 
17 10. 
April 9. Sarah Miiick. 
May 7. The widow Abigail Hathorn, Hannah, 

wife of Air. William Patten. 
May 14. Mr. Joshua Blanchard, 
June 18. Hannah, wife of Air. James Lowden. 
July 9. Mrs. Piudence, wife of Air. Ebenezer 

Swan. 17 10-11. 

March 11. Mrs. Abigail Hurry. 

17 11. 
Aug. 26. Mr. Jonathan Kettle, Jr. 
17 12. 
Mrs Reheka, wife of Mr. Daniel Russel. 
Rachel Kidder 

17 12-13. 
Mary, wife of Mr Ebenezer Hartshorn. 
Grace Hall, Anne Doubleday. 
Mrs. Anna, wife of Mr. Ralph Mousnl, 
nnall, wile of Air Benj. Andrews, Airs. 



Jan. 19. 
Jan. 2H. 
Feb. 16. 
Mar. 16. 
April 6. 



Stephen Badger. 



April 6 
June 29. 

Jan. 11. 

Feb. 8. 

March 8. 
Mrs. He 

Alary, wife of Air. Thomas Frothingham, Mrs. 
Anne, wife of Mr. Joseph Newel. 
17 13. 

May 31. Mr. Ralph Alousal and his son, Ralph 
Alousal, Rebecca Whilarnore. 

June 28. Alargarv, wife of Mr Ebenezer Putmnn. 

Aug 23. , wife of Mr. Thomas Call ; Re- 
becca, wife of Joseph Caswell, Elizabeth Crowch, 
and her sister. Alary Crowch. 

Aug. 30. , the wife of Air. Francis Basset. 

Sept. 20. Hannah, wife of A1r. Daniel Lawrence. 

Oct 18. Rachel, wife of Mr. Samuel Knight. 

Nov. 15. Mrs. Sarah Foy, wife of Cupt. John Foy. 
Mrs. Abigail, wife of Mr. John Rayner, Jr., 
Sarah, wife of John Carter. 

Dec. 13. Sarah, wife of Mr. Abraham Miller. 
1 7 13-14. 

Jan. 10. Esther Nicholls. 

Feb. 7. Sarah Wilson, Johannah Larkin, Eliza- 
beth Hurd 

•March 7. Elizabeth Townsend. 
17 14. 

April 4 Katharine, wife of Air. Jonnlhnn Kettle, 
Airs. It ml) Row, Jr., Alary, wife of Mr. Samuel 
Whitehead. 

May 2. Mr. Joseph Harris, Mr Caleb Carter. 

Alay :i0. Air. John Fowle, Lydia Hill, and her 
sister, Elizabeth Hill. 

June 27. Mrs. Hannah, wife of Air. Vineont Car- 
ter. Sarah, wife of Air. William Alclaudy. 

July 25. Alary Swan. 

17 14. 

Aug. 22. M. Sarah, wife of the Rev. Mr. Jo. Ste- 
vens ; wife of Air. Tho. Call, Jr. 

Sept. 19. Mr. Samuel Web. 



252 



Nov. 21. The widow Mary Phillips ; the wife of 



Mr. Nathaniel Webber, 
Dec. 12. Robert Ward, Benjamin Dows, Stephen 

Badger, Juniors. 
Dec. 19. Sarah, wife of Mr. Joseph Grant. 
17 14-15. 
Mrs. Martha, wifo of Mr. Ephraim 



Jan. 9. 

Breed. 
Jan. 16. 
Feb. 6. 



March 1. Ambrose Coleby. 



Mrs. Esther Kettel. 
Mary, wife of Mr. John Griffin. 
March G. Ann, wife of Mr. Thomas Chapman. 

17 15. 
March 27. Mr. Richard Miller. 
April 3. Dorothy, wife of Mr. Joseph Kidder. 
May 8. Sarah, wife of Jonathan Kendall. 
May 29. Mr. William Brown. 
June 5. Mary, wife of Mr. Richard Miller. 
Aug. 21. Mrs. Elizabeth Pierce. 
Sept. 1 1. Annah Miriclt. 

Sept. 18. Jonathan Pierce, Edward Larkin.Jr. 
Oct. Ifi. Mr. Samuel Blunt, Samuel Kidder. 
Nov. 20. Mr. Thomas Call, Jr. 
l>ec. 11. Mrs Mabel Jenner. Mr. John Rand, Jr 
Pec. 18. Johannah, wife of Mr. John Call, Jr. 

17 15- J fi. 
Jan. 29. Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Joscp! 

Lemmon. 
March 1 I.Mrs. Tread way. 

1716. 
May 6. Mr. Calvin Galpin, Jr. 
Oct. 21. Nathaniel Boynton. 
Nov 19. The widow Mrs. Hannah Pierce. 
Dec 9. Thomas Welsh. 
Feb. 3. The wife of Mr. Jonathan Fosdick. 
Feb. 10. Mrs. Relief Rows. 
March 3. Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. John Fowl 
March 10. Mrs. Susannah, wifo of Mr. Samuel 

Hill. Jr. 

Mar. 31. Mr. James Lowden, Sen'r, Mr. Josiah 
Tread way. 

1717. 
April 7. William Eaton. 
April 28. Thankful Wilson. 
May ">• Mr Ebeoezer Hartshorn, the widow 
Elizabeth Bi-nnct, Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. Wil 
liam Hoppin. 
June 2. Mr. John Call, Mrs. Anno Putt, wife 

of . 

June 23. Mr. Henrv Sommers. 

June 30. Mr. John Teal, the widow Hopkins, 

Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr Samuel Carey. 
July 7. Mrs Abigail, wife of Mr. Samuel Webb 
An:,'. 18. The wile of Mr. Thomas Brazier, Mis 

: arah Cutler. 
Oct. 13. The widow Shenpard. 
Oct 20. Mrs. Lydia, wile of Mr. Eloazar Phil 

lips, Alexander Level. 
Dec. 15. Mrs. Rebecca, wifo of Mr. Charles Bur 
roughs. 

1717-18. 
Jan. 5. Mr. Samuel Carey. 
Jan 19. Abigail, wife of M> Elias Stone, Jr. 
Feb. 2. Capt. John Foy, Mr. Benjamin Lnw 
rencn, Mr. Philip Cutlor, Mr. Samuel 
Mr. Thomai Brazier. 
Feb 9 Capt. Charles Chambers, Mr. Timet!,;. 

Goodwin. 
Mardi 2 AnnRh Men I. 

17 13. 
Ap'ilfi. Mr. Calob Call. 
j nni i. Hephzibah Harris, wife of Mr. Timothy 

Gondii in. 
July 20. Mrs Grace, wife of Mr. John Eads. 
An". 3. Mr. Peler Fowl. 

An-. 17. Elizabeth, wife of Mr Jonnllmn Call. 
S.-pt 14. Mr. Henry Wherler, John Badger. 

Mrs Hannah wift of Mr John Dymon 
Nov, 9. Th i ■■ ' oh of Mr. Caleb CrossewelL 
I in- 7. Mr. Elias Stone, Jr., Mrs. Surah, w ife of 

.Mr. Maximilian Row . 
Dor. 14. Mrs. Elizabeth, wifo of Mr. Joseph 
Phillips. 

1718-19. 
Feb. 1. Hannuh Sherwin. 



April 5 Mrs Hannah, wife of Mr. Ehen Breed. 

June 21. John Davis, Jacob Deny; wife of Mr. 
Timothy Read. Jr. 

July a6. JabezTuttle. 

Aug. 16. Mr. Edward Brazier. 

Oct. 11. Mrs. Ruth, wife of Mr. William Dady, 
Hannah Johnson and her sister, Abigail John- 
son. 

Oct. 18. Mrs. Sarah, wife of Mr. Richard Randol. 

Dec. 20. Mrs. Painel. wife of Mr. John Codman ; 
wife of Mr. Jumes Fowl. 

Jan. 31. Mrs Ksthcr, wife of Mr. James Kettel. 

Feb. 7. Wife of Mr. Stephen Kidder. 

March 6. Mrs. Esther Hall 
1720. 

March 27 Mrs. Anne, wile of Mr. John Asbury, 
Mr. Thomas Syinmcs, Mary Nossiter. Mary 
Cater. 

April 3. Mrs. Sarah, wife of Mr. Thomas Jack- 
son, Mrs. Hannah Pierce. 

April 24. Mrs. Muigarit, wife of Mr. James Sher- 
man 

May 1. Mrs. Abigail, wife of Mr. Edward Wire. 

May 21. Abigail liussel. 

May 28. Abigail Addums. 

June 19 Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Nathaniel 
Frothingliam. 

July 17. Mrs. Luist, wife of Mr. Robert 

hoist. 

July 24. Mr. Thomas Jackson. 

•\ug. 21 Benjamin Read, Edward Eads. 

Sept. 18 Mr Isaac Pinker. 

Nov. (i. Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Ezekiel 
Cheever. 

1720-21. 

Jan. I. Mrs. Call, wife of Mr. Caleb Call. 

Feb. 5. Mr. Thomas Jenner. 
17 2 1. 

April 2. Martha Read. 

May 21. Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. John Smith. 

.May 28. Mrs. Abigail Smith, daughter of Mr. 
William Smith. 

Aug. 13. Mis. i.lener. wife of Mr. Tho Harris, Sr. 

Aug. 20. Mrs. Anne Foster. 

Sept. 10. U ife of Mr. Edward Stioaff. 

Oct. 15. Mrs. Hliz wife of Mr Junes Turner. 

Dec.3I. Mr. Michael Biigdon, Mrs. Mary, wife 
of Mr. Richard cuiton. 

1, 1-22. 

Jan. 7. Mrs. Margaret, wife of Capt. John Foy, 
Mr Rich ird Boj I ton an I hi i wife. 

Feb. 1. Mi . '/.'■■ I hi l.eriug. 
I . rd. 
'Mr. Joseph Austin, Jr. 

April 1. Mrs. Silence Harris. 

I'll: ll .11, and his wife, 
i . . '. .Mrs. Abigail, wifo of Air. Benjamin 

Xov 11. Mr. Joseph Stimpson, the widdow Mrs 

Bth Kidder. 

1722-23. 
.1 n. 27. Mrs. fnrnh Smith. 
b. 17. Mr. : in I Call. 

Mi Samuel Call 
Irs. Abie il. •.. ife of Mr, William Smil h. 
. >. Im then was 

''is. i.Iiz. wife of Mr. John Stanly 

, Anna, wil of ,)r. iliclio.nl Kettel. 
Mrs. Lydia Stimpson. 
17 23-24. 
Rev. D. Hull &bbot, bj 1 ttl r diss, from 
of Ta "i ; Mr. Joseph Frost ; the wile 
. ' 1 1 
M I.Ui II, William Badger, John 

Wei ihigail town. 

Match . fi f S ■■" pi 

u of Mi Isaac Fow 1. 

June 21, I mi- . rlrs. tone, wife of Mr. 

lunathan Ka "• lei, 
.'.ii -. 9. P des, Mrs. Annah, wife of Mr. 

Benjamin Bancroft. 



. . 



Feb, 



253 



Aug. 16. Mr. Thomas Harris, Sr., Mrs. Rebecca, 
wife of Mr Joseph Mains. 

Sept. 13. The widow, Mrs. Sarah Pinson, Thomas 
Monrow. 

Oct. 4. Rebecca Stone. 

Oct. II. Mrs Esther, widow of Capt. John Fostor 

Nov 1. Mr Stephen Badger, Sr. 

Dec. 6. Mrs. Sarah, wife of Mr. Benjamin 
Wheeler. 

1724-25. 

Jan. 31. Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. Samuel Cary. 

June 13. Mr. William Smith, Jr. 

July 18. Mrs Hannah, wife of Mr. Josiah Harris, 
William Manly, 

Oct. 3. Mr. Beth Sweetser, Jr., Mary Bradstreet 
(my only daughter, I) 6.) 

Oct. 10. Hannah Kettel. 

Nov. 7. Mrs Alice Phillips, widow of Mr. Ben- 
jamin Phi Hips. 

Nov. 28. Mrs. Susannah Chickering. 

Dec. 5. Sarah, daughter of Mr. John Edmunds. 

Dec. 26. Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. James Kettel. 

Jan. 30. Mr. Thomas Han is, Jr. 
17 2 6. 

March 27.M.S. Mary Hill, daughter of Mrs. Hall. 

April 24. Elizabeth Rand. 

May 15. Anna Kidder, and her sister, Sarah Kid- 
der. 

June 19. The widow of Mr. Benjamin Mirick. 

July 17. Mr. Benjamin Wheeler. 

Aug. 7. Daniel Bads. 

Aug. 14. Mr. John Login, Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. 
Richard Foster, Jr. 

Oct. 9. Mrs. Martha, wife of Mr. Thomas 
Symmes, Mrs. Ruth, wife of Mr. John Webber. 

Oct. 30. Mary Pierce (ancilla nostra.) 

Dec. 4. Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. William 
Read. 

Dec. 25 Mrs. Huldah Whitamore, d. of Capt. 
Whitamore. 

1726-27. 

Jan. 29. Mr. Richard Richardson. 

Feb 19. Mrs. Johannah, widow of Mr. Michael 
Brigden. 

1727. 

March 2G Mrs. Hephzibah, wife of Mr. Edward 
Larkin, Jr. 

April 23. Mr. John Stevens, Academicus. 

June 18. Mrs. Surah, wife of Mr Jonathan Call, 
Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Joseph Frothing- 
ham, Mrs. Anno, wife of Mr. Constant Freeman 

July 16. Mrs. Ruth, wife of Mr. Joseph Hopkins 

Aug. C. Mrs. Sarah, wife of Dr. Peter Culef, 
Abigail i.ord. 

Sept. 10. The widow Hannah Hurry. 

Oct. 1. Rebecca Marston. 

Nov. 26. Mra. Elizabeth foster. 

Dec. 3. Mr. Jonathan Rand, Mrs. Millicent, 
wil'o of <>aid Jonathan Rand, Rachael i 

Dec. 21. Mr. Thomas Brigden, Tir. Ephraii 
Breed, Mr. Jonathan Edmunds, Jr., Mrs. Elizah 
Ends, (widow,) Mrs. Sarah Whitamore. Mrs 
Mary, wife of Mr. William Pitts, Mrs. I li: il , 
wife of Mr. Joseph Gowen, Mrs. Anna Si 

Dec. 31. Mr. Joseph 1 n on, Mrs. .:■ 
wifo of Mr.Thon as rt ier, Mrs. Winifred, wife 
of ,>lr. Michael Brigden, Abigail, wife of Thoma 
Maudlin. 

1727-28. 

Jan. 21. Timothy Read, Jr., Simon Bradstreet, my 
soi, Joseph Badger, John Hurd, Jonas lVa^on 
Mrs. Sari 11, r-dict of .Mr. Jonathan I 
Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. James Brentnel, Mrs, 
Joanna, > ic'nw of Mr. Samuel King, Hannah 
Stone, Margarit Mirick 

Jan. 28. Mr-. Mary, wife of Mr. James Austin, 
the wife of Mr. Stephen Ford, the wife of Mr. 
John Spi ago" .' e wife of Mr. Jonathan Dows,Jr. 
Mrs Sarah, wife of Mr. Peletiah Webber, the 
wife of Mr. Roger Connnnt, Rinh Kempton. 

Feb. 18. The wife of Mr. John House, the wife of 
Michael Benlley, the wife of John Hall, Sara! 
Waters, Abigail Fiothingham, Abigail Kettel, 



Esther Call, Mary Sheaf, Rebecca Hurd, Mar- 
tha Smith. 

Feb. 25. The wife of Mr. Nathaniel Frothing- 
ham, Jr., Mary, widow of Mr Richard VVhitn- 
more, the wife uf Mr. James Hayes, iIip widow 
of Mr. John Simmins, the wife of Mr. Thonia9 
Brigden, Anna Boylston, Rebecca Burr, .Mary 
Ivory. 

March 17 Mr. John Edmunds, Jerahmael Pierce, 
Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. James Flucker, ihe 
wile of Mr Nuthaiiiel Lord, the wife of Mr. 
Robert Stone, the wife of Isaac Aborn, the 
wife of Phillip Qallishon, (post lapsus confess.) 
Mary Brackenbury. 

M trch 94 Mr. John, son of Mr. Timothy Phillips, 
Samuel Hutchison, Jr., the wife of Mr. Na- 
thaniel Sartel, the wife of Edward Mirick, the 
wife of John Ireland. 

1728. 

April 14. The wife of Mr. Joseph Whitamore, Jr., 
the widow Darling, Mis. Sarah Hows. 

April 21. John Stephens, Mrs. Anne, widow of 
Mr. Thomas Ivory, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mehita- 
bel Payn. 

May 19. Benjamin Frotbingham, Jr., Lydia Phil- 
lips. 

June 9. Mr. Nathaniel Partel. 

Aug. 4. Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Nathan 
Webber. 

Aug. II. Mary Badger, Abigail Perry. 

Nov. 3. Mr. Robert Rail, Mr. Benjamin Ban- 
croft, Mrs. Eunice Treadway. 

Dec. 29. Mrs. Dorcas, « ire of Mr. John Soley. 
1728-29. 

Feb. 16. Mrs. Bethiel, widow of Mr. Henry Fowl, 
wife of Mr. William Badger. 

March 23.Anne, daughter of Mr. Joseph Newel. 
1729. 

April 13. Thomas Hovey, Abigail Hurd, daughter 
of Mr- Benjamin Hurd. 

June 8. James Hovey. 

June 16. Mrs. Ruth, wife of Mr. Samuel Hutch- 
ison, Jr., Mary, daughter of Mr. Thomas 
Harris, Jr. 

July 13. William Chapman. 

Aug 3. Mrs. Ruth Sliuipsou, wifo of Mr. John 
Stimpson. 

Aug. 10 Mr. Samuel Larkin, Sarah Kettel, Abi- 
gail Rand, Hannah Cupen, Susannah Clark. 

Aug. ■ I. obert Cutler. 

Nov. 23. Mr j. Sarah Dyer. 

1 / 29-30. 

Jan. 18. Mrs. Elizabeth Wyer, wife of Mr. Ed- 
ward Wyer. 

Jan 25. Mr. Ricbar! ToFter, Jr. 

Feb. 15. Mrs. Joanna, wife of Mr. Thomas Jen- 
ner, Mr. Stephen Pierce 

Mrs Abigail Phi pps, wife of Mr. Sam- 
uel Phipps, bis sister, Mrs. Mercy Maxey, Mary 
Kettel. 

: iS.Margaret She:!. '. 
1730. 

April 99. ins, Jr. 

May 10. Mrs. Katharine, wife of Mr. Anthony 
Lane. 

Oct. 4. Mrs. .Irani a, widow of Mr. Famucl Hill. 

Nov. 29. Mr. John Codman. 

Dec. £7. Tne v. iib of William Teal. 
1730-31. 

March 14. Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. Thomas Huchi- 

BOD. 

1731. 

April 4. The widow, Mrs. Sarah Caswel. 

April 18 Mr. Caleb Lamnson. 

May 16. Mrs Dorothy Lampso.i, wife of Mr. 
Caleb Lampson. 

Oct. :i. Mrs Mary, wifo of Mr. John Miller, Mr. 
John Stimpson. 

Oct. 31. Mr. James Flucker, Samuel Frotbing- 
ham, Jr , John Waters, Zechariuh Symmes, 
James Lowden, Jr. 

Nov. 28. Mr. Joseph Hopkins. 



254 



1732. 
March 19Rridget, wife of Josiah Wood. 
May 14. Mi. John Hand. 
Juno 4. Mis. Deborah Nurse. 
Sept. 24 Mr. Robert Luist 
Oct. 29. The wife nf Josiah Whittemore. 

1732-33. 
Feb. 18. Joanna, wife of Jiicob Windct. 

17 3 3. 
April I. Abigail, wife iif Edward Sheaf. Jr. 
May 13. Mr Bleazer I billing, Mr. Samuel Phipps 

(cleric,) John Frothingham, (Fil Diuco.) 
Aug. 5. The widow Mary llaiemaii. 
Sept 30. The widow Mary VVhood. 

Oct. 21. The widow of Benjamin Watera. 
Nov 25. Mary Miller, (Filia Richardi.) 

Feb. 24. Ilunnah, the wife of George Burrough. 
March 17 Jumes Miller. Jr. 

1734. 
April 14. George Bnrroiigh, James Hay. Jr. 
May 5. Thomas Blaster, Jr., William Kettle. 
June 30. Bhenezei Hand, Jr. 
Sept I. David Wood, Richard Rnnd, Zechariah 

Davis, Jr. 
Oct 27. The wife of Mr. Samuel Hutchinson. 
Feb 16. Edmond Kan.]. 

17 3 5. 
April 13. Edward Goodwin. 
May II. Mildred Davis. 
July 6. The wife of John Kidder. 
Dec. 6 Grace, the wife of Zechariah Symmes. 
Jan. 18. Anna, the wife of Jonathan Hill. 
Feb. 15 Hannah Mill. 
March 14.The wife of Jonathan Edes. 

1 7 3 C . 
April 11. The widow Margaret Gibbs. 
May 9. Ann Miller, Ruth Sinnpson. 
June (i. Ebenezer Frothingham, Joseph Hop 

kins, Jr, Edward Larkin, Jr., Caleb Call, Jr.. 

the wife of James Bouhlerson. Hannah Brazier 
July 4. Nathaniel, son ot Timothy Goodwin. 
Sept. 26. Hannuh. wife of Silas Ivory. 
Oct. 24. The wife of Elkanuh Osburne, Sarah, 

wife of John Wyer. 
Nov. 21. Elizabeth Kurd, Marv Pinson. 

17 3 6-37.' 
Jan 16 Samuel Maxev, Jonathan Kettel, (Fi 

Benj ) David Townsend, Jr. 
March l3.The wife of Isaac Kidder, the wife of 

James Capon, Jr. 

1737. 
April 10. Joseph Frothingham, Jr., Sarah, wife of 

William Ford. 
May 8. The widow Hannah llussing, Rebecca 

Symmonds. 
July 31. Benjamin Frothingham, Nathaniel Rand 

Nathaniel Davis. 
Sept. 25 Samuel Harris. 
Dec. Id. Rebecca Stimpson, Hannah Miller. 

17 3 8. 
Jan. 15. The wife of Eleazer Wyer. Mary, the 

wife of Riehaid Rami, Sarah Frothingham 

Feb 12. Nathaniel Rand and Mehetable Ins wife. 

April 9. Mary, wife of John Storer, Judith Up- 
ham. 

July 2. Barnabas Davis, Jr., James Kcttell. 

July 30 Samuel Austin. 

Nov 19. Anna Goodwin. 

Dec. 17. Mabel Townsend. 
1739. 

Sept. 24. Rev. 0. Pronlico, admitted into commu- 
nion wil h lis. 

Nov. 18. Sarnh Loring. 

Dec. 16. Edward W lute. 

1740. 

Jan 13. Katharine, wife of Samuel Goodwin, 
l.ydea Boylslone. 

Feb. 10. Mary Frothingham. 

April 6. Sarah, wife of Joseph Frothingham, 
Abigail Webb. 

May 4. David Townsend, Sbippy Townsend 
•Maciha, wife of Shadrack Ireland, Abigail 
Fowle. 

Aug. 24. The widow of Daniel Manning. 



Sept. 21. The widow of Thomas Taylor. 

Oct. 19 Elizabeth Webb. Mary Brazier. 

Nov. 16. Dorcas, wifeof John Leppington. Phoebe, 
wife of Jamea Trumbal, the wile of Jonathan 
Gardner, Rebecca, wife of Thomas Wood, Phil- 
lip Atwood and his wife. 

Die. 14 Joseph Sweetser, Elizabeth Newell, 
(Vidua,) A hi jab Wright. Samuel Hill and Be- 
thiah his wife, John Cndmnn, Jr , the wife of 
Joseph Whittemore, 3 tius, Agnis Smith and 
Mary Smith, sisters. 

1741. 

Jan. 11. Samuel Bradstreet, James Ingolls, Isaac 
Rand and Margaret, his wife, Abraham Bate- 
man. Elizabeth, wifeof James Foadick, Mehetn- 
hle Whittemore, Ann Badger, Hannah Monsell, 

Elizabeth and Mary, daughters of Eleazar Phil- 
lips. Alary Neweomb. 

Feb 8. Joseph IVhitiemore. 3d, Isabel Jeffords, 
Rebecca More, Meicy vVoloott, Mary Foster, 
Elizabeth Sewall, Ann Parker, Sarah and Fran- 
ces, daughters of John I'hil lips, Jr., Elizabeth 
Davis, daughter of Zechanah Davis, Esther Mi- 
nor, Sarah Scamu.on. 

March 8 Daniel Russel, Esq., Samuel Burr, Han- 
nan Welsh. 

April 5. Samuel Sprague, John Stephen!. 

May 3. Thomas Welsh, Jr., Sarah, wife of Jona- 
than Edmonds. 

May 31. John Soley, Samuel Kettle, Susannah, 
wile of Robert Scieeeb, Anna Symmes. Lydea 
Slimpsnn, Susannah Foadick. Buthei Rand. 

June 28 Hllhlah, wife of Samuel Edes. Ann, wife 
of John Lothrop, Mis. Elizabeth Chcever, Ann 
Ketlell (til diac ) Mary Townsend 

July 26. William Jenkins Abigail Nicholls, Su- 
sannah, wile of Samuel Poadick, Mehetable 
Swan, Grace, wife of Caleb Teel, Elizabeth, 
daughter of widow Elizabeth V\ yer, Susannah 
Logun, Sarah Lccman. 

Aug 23. Robeit Stone. Sntah Phillips. 

Sept. 20. John Harris and his wife, Daniel Par- 
ker, Samuel Austin, Katharine Welsh, Bethiah 
Fowle. 

Oct 18. Mr John Trumbal, Mr. Richard Russel, 
Phillip Devene, Sarah Cary. 

Nov. 15. Iraac Smith, David Cheever. 

Dec. 13. The wife of Jonathan Dowse, Jr. 

Jun 10, The widow Elizabeth Phipps, tho wife 
of Jonathan Wood, Sarah Rand, Alary 1 avis, 
I'enelopv Bottrell. 

Feb 7. Eunice, the widow of Capt. Andrew 
Newell, Richard Kettle, Jr., Susannah Fosdick, 
a widow. 

1742. 

.May 30. Samuel Larkin, Jr., Alice, wife of Ben- 
jamin Ketlell, Reherca, wife of Thaddeui Alo- 
son, Eleanor, wife of Isaac Foster, Margaret, 
wife of Samuel Cary, Johrr Carter and his wife. 

July 25. Hannah, wife of Jacob Howard. 

Sept 19. Mrs. Rebecca Austin. 

Nov. 14. Old Airs. Bullae Katharine, wife of Air. 
James Russell, the wife of Mr. David .Newell, 
Hannah, wife of Mr. Thomas llrash-r. Jr . Mrs. 
Hepzibah Frothingham, (filia diaconi,) Eliza- 
beth Woodwoll. 

Dec. 12. Susannah, wife of William Leathers. 

Feb. 6. Hannuh Stevens. 

17 43. 

.May 29. Elizabeth Sprague, fil. of John deceased. 

Aug. 21. Daniel Lawrence, the widow Mercy 
Frolhingham, Mrs. Mice Lord, Hannah, wifeof 

Mr.Seth Sweetser, Sarah, wifo of Air. Samuel 
Bradstreet 

Oil Hi James Capon, John Hancock, Elizabeth 
Frothingham 

Nov. 13 Hannah, wife of John Townsend, Abi- 
gail Stone, Alary Rhjchford 

I'eh 5. Alary, wife of Nathaniel Gorham, Jo- 
seph Phipps. 

Alurch 4. The widow Elizabeth Goodwin. 

i r i i . 

April 29. Susannah, wife of Charles White. 



255 



June 24. The wife of Thomas Williams, the wife 

of Benjamin Reed. 
Aug. 19. Joseph Atwood. 
Oct. 14. Margaret, wife of Samuel Sprngue. 
Dec. 9. Mary, wife of Timothy Trumbal, Mary 

wife of Timothy Austin 
Jan. 6. Nathaniel Frothingham, Jr. and Mary, 

his wife. 

1 745. 
March 31. Pusannah Hancock, Fil of John, Eliza- 
beth Lamion, Fil. of Nathaniel, 
Sept. 15. Elizabeth Carey, Eunice Dana, Su- 
sannah, daughter of Nathaniel Frothingham. 
Oct. 13. Abigail, wife of John Asberry. 
Feb. 3. Rebecca Sweetser, a widow, Mary, wife 

of John I'enny, Jr. 

1746. 
July 20. John Newel, aged about 82 years. 
Aug. 17. Elizabeth Phipps. 
Nov. 9. Edward Mirick. 
Jan. 4. Joseph Lewis, Mercy, wife of John Haye. 

1747. 
Oct. 11. Anne, wife of Mr. William Barber. 

1748. 
May 22. Hannah Calrler (Vidua,) John Webber, 

Abigail, wife of John Webber, Anna Hurd. 
Sept. 11. Nicholas Hopping. 
1749. 
May 21. Abigail, wife of John Parker. 
Oct. 8. Priscilla Gardner (of Nantucket.) 
Dec 31. The wife of Benjamin Hurd, Jr 
Jan. 28. Mehetable, wife of Ebenezer Marable. 
Feb. 25. Ruth Austin, (Vidua of Thomas.) 

I 7 5 (1 . 
April 21. Mr. James Russell, Katharine, wife of 

John Larkin. 
May 2 I. Hannah Lord. 
Nov. 4. Joseph Froihingham, Jr. 
Dec 2. Mr. Richard Gary. 
Feb. 24. Mary, wife of Mr. Richard Boylston, Jr 
March 24. Mr. Edward Sheaffe, Jr.; the wife of 

James Kcttell, Jr. 

1 751. 
April 21. Rebecca, wife of Mr. David Wyer, Mar 

tha, wife of Mr. Edward Goodwin. 
July 14. Stephen Badger, 3 tius. 
Aug. II. Mr. Samuel Hendly. 
Oct. 3. Mr. Edward Sheaffe. 

1752. 
April 19. Alice Davis. 
Nov. 12. Sarah Wheeler. 

1753. 
Jan. 7. Marv.wife of William Hopping, Jr. 
Feb. 4. Sara'h Parker. 

March 4 Timothy Austin and Lydea, his wife, 
Ann, vidua of Benjamin Mirick, Abigail, wife 

of Samuel Lord, Joanna, wife of Anderson 
Adams. 
April 1. Elizabeth Johnson, (fil. of Matthew,) 

Ann Wyer, (tila. of William.) 
April 29. Mary, wile of Richard Russell. 
May 27. Sarah, wife of Robert Cally, Mary 

Parker, (fil. of Isaac defunct.) 
June 24. Sarah, wife of Thomas Austin, (fil. of 

Joseph.) 



Dec. 5. 



Jan. 2. 
Jan. 30. 



Aug. 19. Deborah, wife of Joseph Frothingham. 
Sept. 16. Abigail, wife of Charles White. 
Dec. 9. Joanna, wife of Samuel Bodge. 

1754. 
Jan. 6. Eunice, wife of Abraham Rand. 
Feb. 3 Elizabeth Townsend, (fil of David.) 
March 3 Elias Stone, Jr., John Welsh, Joann 

wife of John Stanton. 
March 31 John Wyer, John Kidder, Abraham 

Snuw, Mercv, wife of Joseph Frothingham, Jr. 
April 28. Elizabeth Hopping. 
July 21. Hannah, wife of Ebenezer Kent, Jr. 
Aug 18. Agnis, wife of Isaiah Edes. 
Sept. 15. Stephen Kidder, (from Nantucket,) Jane 

Holmes, wife of Nathaniel Holmes. 
Oct. 13. Mr. Bartholomew Tiowe. 

1755. 
Jan. 5. William Hopping, Jr., Rebecca, wife of 

Samuel Conant. 



April 27. Elizabeth, wife of Robert Hussey. 
July 20. Sarah Rand, Sarah Souther, Huldah 

Edes. 
Nov. 9 Abigail Monk. 

Doc. 7. The wife of Jonathan Rand, Jr., Eliza- 
beth Souther, Anne Chambcrlin. 
1756. 
Jan. 4. Joseph Larkin and wife, Mary, wife of 
Hammond Go wen .Joanna, wife of Samuel Swan, 
Susannah, wife of John Austin, Jr., Alice, wife 
ol Benjamin Brasier, Jr., Anna Rand. 
Feb. 29 Jemima, wife of Jonathan Chapman, 

Mary Edes, (til Dan.) 
Apr. 25. Josiah Harris and his wife, Mrs Parnel 
and Eliz. and Alary Codman, Jane Sewall, Re- 
becca Mason. 
Aug. 15. Lydea Teel. 
Sept. 12. Mary, wife of Mr. John White. 
Oct. 10. Elizabeth, wife of Wilson Chamberlin, 

Joanna Trovve, Mary Rand. 
Nov. 7. Lydea, wife of Alexander Watson. 
Elizabeth Trowe, Mary Call. 

1757. 
Elizabeth Salter. 
Joanna Powers, a widow. 
'Vpr. 24. Hophzibah Wolcott. 
June 19 Ebenezer King and his wife Martha, 
Elizabeth Rand, (fil. of VVhaff (?) Rand at 
Boston ) 
Oct. 9. John Austin, Thomas and Anne Rand, 
Hephzibah, wife of Samuel Larkin, Jr., Abigail 
and Esther fil patri Edes. 
Nov. 6. Martha Trowe. 

1758. 
Jan. 1. Nathaniel Phillips, Katharine Whitte- 
inore, Hannah Rhodes, daughter of Jacob 
Rhodes. 
Jan. 29. Hannah, wife of Elias Stone; Frances 
Webb, her sister; Mildred Whittemore ; my 
daughter Mary Abbott. 
Feb. 26. Hannah, wife of Mr. Nathaniel Rand, 

Samuel Townsend and his wife. 
Mar. 26. Mrs. Jane Flucker 
Apr. 23. Mary, wife of Ebenezer Kent, Jr., Sarah 

Edes. 
May 21. Mercy, wife of Mr. Jabez Whittemore. 
June 18. Lois, wife ol Thomas Hooper. 
Sept. 10. Mary, wile of John Osburoe. 
Dec. 3. Mary Collins. 

Dec. 31. John Larkin, Jr., Sarah Prentice, 
daughter of Solomon P., Elizabeth Hoggins. 
1759. 
Jan. 28. Zechariah Larkin, Thomas Whittemore. 
Feb. 25. Mildred Rand. 
Mar. 25. Samuel Conant. 
Apr. 22. Elizabeth, wife of Richard Phillips, 

Abiel Smith, vidua, Anne Brazier, vidua. 
May 20. The wife of Stephen Gullishon, Rebecca 

Sprague, Irene and Mary Prentice, (fil. Kevdi.) 
June 17. Joseph Rand . Mary Mirick. 
July 15. Hannah, wife of Ephraira Breed, Mary 
Sweetser. 

1760. 
Jan. 27. James Frothingham and Abigail his 

wife. 
Feb. 24. Ruth Kettell. 
Mar. 23. Abigail Frothingham. 
Apr 20. Sarah, wife of William Conant. 
July 13. Hannah, wife or John Gary. 
Nov. 30. Elizabeth, wife of Robert Cally. 
Dec. 28. The wife of James Kenny. 

176 1. 
Mar. 22 Mr. David Newell 
Mar 19. Phebe, wife of Wm. Manning, Jr. 
June 14. Sarah Greaves. 
July 12. Mr. Joseph Lynde and his wife. 
Sept. 6. Sarah, daughter of Capt John Hancock. 
Oct. 4. Hephzibah Hradish.daughler of James B. 
Nov. 1. Mary, wife of Thomas Edes. 
Nov. 29. Sarah Welsh, Sarah Bradish. 

1702. 
May 16. Anne Rand. 
Aug. 8. Sarah, wife of Nathaniel Kent. 
Oct. 3. Jonathan Uaud. 



256 



Dec 26. Sarah, wife of Timothy Brigden. Nov. 20. Sarah, the wife of Henry Phillips 

I 7 63. | Sweetser. 

Jan. 23. Aaron Townsend, Mnry, wile of Benj Dec. 18. Abigail, the wife of James Brazier, 

Frothingham, Jr., Hannah Lamson, daughter. Abigail Kettell. 

of Caleb Lamson. 1769. 

Dec. 25. Mr. John Miller, far advanced in years, Jan. 15. William and Joseph Kettle. 

Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Welsh, deceased Mar. 12. Mary, wife of William Fosdick 



Jan. 14. 



Apr. 7. 

.Nov. 17. 



1764. 
Feh. 19 Hannah Hutchinson. 
Mar. 18. Nehemiah Hand. 
Apr. 15. Mary Davis. 
Mav 13. Constant Freeman. 
July 8. Lulea Green leaf. 
Aug 5. John Ivory and wife, Mary Brown, vid 

the wife ofGenrge Calder. 
Sept. 2. Susannah Hutchinson. 

Sept. 30. Katharine, wile of Mr. Samuel Hendley. May 31. 
Oct. 28. William Leathers, Jr., and his wife. Aug. 23. 
Nov. 25. Benjamin Goodwin, Elizabeth, wife of Sept. 20 
Thomas Harding. Hannah, wile of John Soley. Oct 18. 
Dec. 23. Thomas Wood, Richaid Boylston, Elea- 
zer Dowse. 

1765. 
Apr. 14. Sarah Townsend. 
June 9. Kulh Hutchinson. 

1766. 
Aug. 31. Hannah, wife of John Burn. (!) 
Dec. 21. Mr. James Hay, (far advanced in years.) 

1767. 
May 10. Mary, wife of William Goodwin. 
June 7. Wife of Joseph Rand, Jr. 
Aug. 2. James Brazier. 
Sept. 27. Samuel Goodwin; the wife of Thomas Since 



Apr. 9. Katharine, the wife of John Kettle. 
Sept. 21. Mary, wile of Eben'r l.nrkin. 
Dec. 17. Rebecca, wife of Nulh'l Gorham. 
1770. 
William Wyer. 

1 771. 
Sarah Hopping. 
Isaac Kidder. 

1772. 
Benjamin Hurd, Jr. 
Isaac Parker. 

Eaton. 

Joseph Hurd, Mary, wifo of James Call, 
Sally Broadstreet, Mary Eaton. 
17 73. 
May 2. Elizabeth Loppington. 

1774. 
Aug. 22. Rebecca Davis. 

Mar. 6. William and Ebenezer Frothingham. 
Isaac Hurd. 

1779. 
Henry Phillips Sweeteer. 

1783. 
Thomas and Rebecca Frothingham. 
1787. 
1786, Mrs Elizabeth Sweetser, widow, 



Apr. 3. 
Jan. — . 
June 22 



Shephard. I Mrs. Nalhai iel Austin, Mrs. Elizabeth Ed- 

1768. I monds, Mr. Jacob and Airs. Foster. 

Jan. 17. Hannah, wife of David Newell. Jr. jJuly 8. Polly Hopkins, Francis Churchill. 

June 5. Sarah, wife of Edward Goodwin, Jr. Aug. IS. Barnabas Barker, James Gardner. 
(Sept. 25. Thomas Prentice, a student of Hollis- Nov. II. Rebecca Cordis, wife of Joseph Cordis, 

too. ' Sarai, wife of Jonathan Thompson. 



INDEX. 



Abbot, Rev. Hull, 125, 131, 136-39, 228; 

notes 45, 4G. 
Aberginians, 10, 35, 37. 
Adams, Hon. J. Q., 79; note 34. 
Admonition by Boston churches, 111, 12; 

note 39. 
All'ord Memoir, 245, 46. 

Allen, Rev. Thomas, 46, 50,51 ; notes 22, 24. 
Arbella, 10, 165. 
Arbella, Lady, 14, 16, 17. 
Arianism, 152. 
Arminianism, 127, 28. 
Associate pastorships, 138, 39. 
Awakening, the Great, 125—130. 

Baptism, 59, 60, 65. 

Baptists, 56—59, 150; note 25. 

Beecher, Thomas, 33. 

Bell, 143. i31. 

Benefactors of the church, 158 — 160. 

Blackstone, Rev. William, 16; note 10. 

Block House, 141. 

Bradstreet, Rev. Simon, 111, 113, 114,116, 

125. 
Bradstreet, Madam, 246. 
Bradstreet, Mrs. Anne, 116—120. 
Brattle, Madam, 219. 
Bright, Kev. Francis, 1 1 ; note 4. 
Browne, Rev. Joseph, 7"2. 
Bunker hill battle, 139—141. 
Burying hill, 105. 

Catalogue of church members, 247 — 256. 
Charlestown, 11, 18, 20, 21, 38,51,52, 167; 

note 1 1 . 
Chapel, 237. 
Chauncy, Dr., 134. 
Church, of Boston and Charlestown, 13, 14, 

15, 18,20; note 6. 
Church of Charlestown, 20— 22,31— 35, 183— 

186. 
Church, Old South, 62 ; notes 26, 35. 
Church property, 157, 241. 
Church and state, 126, 152. 
Churches, division of, 155 — 157; comparative 

age of, 186, 87. 
Colleagues, 138, 39. 

Colman's description of Stevens, 122 — 124. 
Confession of faith of 1680,93, 151. 
Congregational Church, Second, 151 ; note 53. 
Congregationalism, 155; faith of, 151. 
Consociation, 60, 61. 

33 



Convention of Congregational ministers, testi- 
mony of, 132. 
Converse, Edward, 33. 
Cotton, Kev. John, 43, 46. 
Council. Ecclesiastical, 39, 79—82. 
Court, General, 15. 
Covenant, 13, 184. 

Covenant, Half-way, 59—65, 127, 152. 
Coytmore, Catharine, 190. 
Coytmore, Martha, 176. 
Creeds, 153. 

Davenport, Rev. John, 44, 62. ' 
Davenport, Kev. James, 131, 32, 134. 
Deacons, 15, 34, 110; note 19. 
Defection from the faith, 152—155. 
I)c\ ins, Richard, 159. 
Discipline, earliest case of, 56. 
Disorders following the revival, 132, 33. 
Dudley, Gov. Thomas, 13, 14, 19; note 8. 

Earthquake, 128; note 44. 
Edmunds, Daniel, 63. 
Eliot, Rev. John, 19. 
Exchange, refusal of, 156. 

Fanaticism, 43, 44, 130—135. 
Fast, 15, 18 

Fay, Rev. Warren, 158. 
Frothingham, Dea., note 58. 
Frothingham, William, 34. 
Frothingham, Richard, Jr., 11. 
Funerals, early, 67. 

Gager, Dea., 15, 16. 
Galleries, 72, 211. 

Gilbert, Rev. Thomas, 71,72. 
Gould, Thomas, 56—59; note 25. 
Graves, Thomas, 10, II ; note 3. 
Great House, 11, 15, 35, 195. 
Greene, John, 45, 49, 50. 

Hale, Robert, 34. 

Harvard, Rev. John, 44, 45, 182. 

Harvard Church, note 53. 

Harwood, Henry, 34. 

Higginson, Rev. John, 213. 

Hilton, William, 191,92. 

1 lorsey's Inter, note 37. 

1 Iiiiiim well, James, 243. 

I lutchinson, Anne. 41. 

Hutctiiiisonians, 42—44. 



258 



Imposition of hands, 102. 
Induction of Mr. Morton, 101. 
Installations and ordinations, 102. 
Itinerants, 131. 

James, Rev. Thomas, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40; 

note 21. 
James, Rev. Thomas, of Long Island, 41. 
Johnson, Isaac, 13, 14, 16, 17. 

Larkin, Dea., 160. 
Learned, William, 45. 
Lecture, Charlestown, note 41. 
Lemmon, Mary, 159. 
Lincoln, Countess of, 19. 
Lords day, 22, 28. 
Lord's supper, 22, 65, 141. 
Lovvden, John, 64. 

Meeting-house, 11, 20, 72, 115, 116, 142, 158) 

notes 20, 49, 55. 
Meeting-house Hill, 11, 12, 142 ; note 48. 
Miller, Dea , note 58. 
Miller, Capt. John, 159. 
Ministers, 15, 147,48; mode of calling, note 

39. 
Mishawum, 1 1. 
Missions, Indian, 199. 
Morse, Rev. Dr., 150—158 ; notes 52, 54. 
Morton, Rev. Charles, 99—103, 106—113; 

notes 37, 38, 40. 
Mousall, Ralph, 34. 

Nowell, Increase, 15, 31, 32, 33, 45 ; note 17. 
Nowell, Parnel, 104. 
Nowell, Samuel, 190, 91. 

Oakes, Rev Urian, 78 ; note 33. 

Old South Church, Boston, 62; notes 26, 35. 

Ordination, early, 21. 

Organ, 237. 

Osborn, Thomas, 56, 57, 58. 

Oxenbridge, Rev. John, 66. 

Paine, Rev. Joshua, 143—147, 239. 

Palmer, Abraham, 33. 

Parish, 143; note 50. 

Pastor, office of, 15. 

Pearce, Capt., 13, 18. 

Pemberton, Rev. Ebenezer, 110. 

Pews, owners of, 236. 

Phillips, Henry, 159. 

Pilgrims, 10-17. 

Platform, Cambridge, 47 ; note 23. 

Prentice, Rev. Thomas, 125, 131, 138—142; 

notes 43, 47. 
Printing, early, 183. 
Property of the church, 241. 
Psalms, New England version, note 15. 
Public worship, 22, 23. 
Puritans, 23—30, 48,49, 52, 68, 160—162; 

note 16. 



Questions after sermon, 44. 

Records, town, note 5 ; church, note 14. 

Reformation, English, 24. 

Relations of religious experience, 96. 

Removal to Boston, 16. 

Revivals, 128—130. 

Kichardson, Ezekiel, 34. 

Ruling elder, 15, 49. 

Russell, Rev. Daniel, 72, 79, 82; Richard, 

159; James, 114, 159, 223; Thomas, 143, 

159 ; family, note 57. 

Sabba'day house, note 30. 

Sacramental furniture, note 56. 

Sagamore, John, 10. 37. 

Saftonstall, Sir Richard, 15. 

Scarcity, 13, 18. 

Seating meeting-house, note 30. 

Shepard, Rev. Thomas, of Cambridge, 55; 

Rev. Thomas, 2d, 54, 72—78, 208 ; notes 

31,32, 33, 36; Rev. Thomas, 3d, 80— 87, 

93-98,220,246. 
Sickness, 12, 16, 17,35,36. 
Small-pox, 36, 76, 121. 
Smith, Elizabeth, 159. 
Sprague, Kalph, 10, 33, 45 ; Richard, 10, 33, 

159,246; note 18; William, 10. 
Stevens, Abigail, 159. 
Stevens, Rev. Joseph, 114, 15, 121—124; note 

42. 
Stoughton, Rev. W., 68—70, 213. 
Style, old and new, note 13. 
Symmes. Rev. Zechariah, 38, 39, 45, 66, 70 ; 

note 28. 
Synod of 1637, 41—44; of 16-18.46—48, 

note 23; of 1662, 60—62; of 1679-80, 

89—93. 

Tablet, 148; note 51. 
Teacher, office of. 15. 
Testimony to the Revival, 133. 
Thacher, Rev. Dr., 144—147, 243. 
Thanksgiving, II, 18. 
Thatcher, Rev. Thomas, 208. 
Toleration, 56 ; note 31. 
Town of Charlestown, 11, 35; records of, 
note 5. 

Unitarians, separation from, 151 , 55, 56. 
Unilarianism, origin of, 152 — 155. 
Universalis! meeting-house, 150. 

Walford, Thomas, 10 ; note 2. 

Westminster confession, 47. 

Whiteh'eld, 129. 

Willoughby, Francis, 208. 

Wilson, Rev. John, 13— 15, 18,20, 62; note 9; 

wife of, note 12. 
Winter, 18, 20. 
Winthrop, Gov. John, 10, 13, 14, 17; notes 

1.7. 
Winthrop church, note 53. 



CORRIGENDA. 

P. 11, 1st line, for " Thomas," read Francis. 

P. 77, last line, for " foreut," read forent. 

P. 120, 28th line, for " Anna," read Anne. 

P. 182, 2d line, for " January 9th," read January 19th. 



I am indebted to Mr. Richard Frothingham, Jr. for a correction of the statement made on 
page 33. Capt. Richard Sprague, who died in 1703, was the nephew of Richard and the son 
of Ralph Sprague. See Frothingham's History of Charlestown, p. 22. 






























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